The fines were imposed by the Commissionerate ofPolice, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack as per the state government ruleswhich made it mandatory for people to wear masks while comingout of their houses in the twin cities, he said.
Offenders are fined Rs 200 for each of the first threeviolations and Rs 500 for every violation after that, theofficer said.
A total of 1,145 vehicles were also seized on Monday,he said.
The police has asked people not to use vehicles whilecoming out of their houses for buying essential items andinstead walk to nearest shop, the officer said.
The state government on April 9 made wearing of masksmandatory to check the spread of novel coronavirus.
"People were made aware of the rule for two days andpolice personnel even distributed masks at several places. Thefines were imposed later," Commissioner of Police, SudhanshuSarangi said.
On the other hand, all the 1,600 petrol pumps in thestate are denying fuel to people without masks, UtkalPetroleum Dealers Association general secretary Sanjay Lathsaid.
"The masks will protect both the consumers and thehundreds of petrol pump employees who are working during thelockdown," he added. AAMACD ACD