Police, civic body crack the whip on lockdown violators in TN

Chennai, Apr 15 () As part of efforts to enforcelockdown strictly, Tamil Nadu police on Wednesday said theyhave so far registered around 2 lakh FIRs and seized over 1.50lakh vehicles as the city corporation warned of Rs 100 finefor pedestrians and suspension of driving licence for thosetravelling in vehicles without face masks.

The police said as many as 1,84,748 instances of lockdownviolations were seen and FIRs were registered for all of themagainst violators. While a fine amount of Rs 82.32 lakh has been collected,1.56 lakh vehicles have been seized, they said. The Greater Chennai Corporation, which days ago made itcompulsory for people to wear masks if they step out of theirhomes for essential purposes today said non-compliance willinvite action including a fine for pedestrians.

"Greater Chennai Corporation under section 2 of EpidemicDiseases Act, 1987 hereby directs that all public under thejurisdiction of GCC shall use the face mask compulsorily whenstepping out of their homes for permitted work and needs," aChennai corporation statement said.

Any person disobeying the direction shall be deemed tohave committed an offence and action will be taken againstthem by police authorities, it said.

While vehicles involved in violation will be seized, thedriving licence will be suspended for six months and a penaltyof Rs 100 per day shall be imposed for the pedestrians.

"This comes into force with immediate effect," it added. VGNROH ROH