25 arrested, over 150 vehicles-owners penalised for defying lockdown: Noida police

Noida (UP), Apr 23 () Twenty-five people were arrested and challans were issued to more than 150 vehicle-owners in Noida and Greater Noida on Thursday for allegedly defying lockdown restrictions, police said.

In Gautam Buddh Nagar, coronavirus hotspots (areas that have recorded multiple COVID-19 positive cases) have been completely sealed off, while restrictions under CrPC section 144 are also in place due to the pandemic.

The administration has also banned movement between Noida and Delhi except for ambulances, doctors, media, and those directly involved in COVID-19 services.

"Five FIRs were registered on Thursday for lockdown violations and 25 people arrested. A total of 626 vehicles were checked across 200 barrier points in the district and challans issued to 157 of them, while four others were impounded," the police said in a statement.

The FIRs were registered under Indian Penal Code section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and violation of prohibitory orders put in place under CrPC Section 144, which bars assembly of four or more persons, they said.

The Gautam Buddh Nagar Police has already extended the restrictions imposed under CrPC Section 144 till May 3, covering the duration of the country-wide lockdown as announced by the central government.

All public events including religious or political congregations, cultural or sports meet and protest marches and processions will remain banned till May 3 and action will be taken against violators under IPC section 188, officials said.

According to official police figures, over 3,200 people have been arrested for violating lockdown restrictions since March 23 in Gautam Buddh Nagar.

As of Thursday, 33 hotspots have been sealed off across Noida and Greater Noida due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and so far 103 positive cases of coronavirus recorded, 54 of whom have recovered, according to officials. KIS TIRTIR