As the world and the country are fighting COVID-19, with the pandemic reaching a decisive phase, the Central Government decided to enforce lockdown to stem community transmission. This was where the Police Force was given the mandate to ensure that the citizens of the country stay indoors.
We have witnessed the police being deployed in full force to ensure the successful implementation of the lockdown, yet many citizens have not yet fully understand the seriousness of the situation. They are putting their own lives, the citizens, and the police, at risk of being infected.
The Maharashtra government is working hand in hand with the Maharashtra Police to get the message across that everyone has to maintain a strict vigil, social distancing and not leave the confines of their home unnecessarily. The Police Chief has deployed more police personnel and is making sure citizens are not facing any kind of problem. The officer said the directives have been given as police personnel have to be deployed at more than 200 containment zones or sealed areas where COVID-19 positive patients have been found. There is an increase in police presence in other areas of the city.
“We are using six drones and may use more if needed to monitor the crowds and containment zones. We are following the government guidelines while monitoring containment zones,” said Pranaya Ashok, DCP (Operation), and Spokesperson for Mumbai Police.
The Police are appreciative of the work the good Samaritans – individuals as well as NGOs in the State are doing to reach out to the neediest – stranded labourers, the homeless, senior citizens and the infirm. Though these are wonderful gestures to alleviate the sufferings caused by this unexpected crisis, they are requesting everyone to instead donate to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund – COVID19 rather than doing so on their own as this could put their health and those they serve in jeopardy. “Government authorities have better reach and infrastructure. If citizens come across any information about needy persons, they must contact the DCP HQ,” an official said.
One of the many incidents which have made the police stress on diverting individual as well as group contributions is because citizens are still not following the rules set by the government. “I just saw one gentleman in a car with his four-year-old son stopping and distributing biscuit packets to beggars below the CBD Bridge. The man was wearing a mask, while his young son, who was inside the vehicle, was not wearing one. What sort of magnanimity are you showing by exposing your son like this? Stay back home,” (sic) tweeted the Navi Mumbai Police.
Attack on Cops
Apart from the extra-long and strenuous duty police personnel have been giving in since the lockdown, they have also been left frustrated and on the edge due to the carelessness and apathy displayed by many citizens when they fail to cooperate with the law. People have been seen loitering about; some are on their two-wheelers and vehicles travelling around as if it was any other normal day.
As a result, many areas and slums have also witnessed a clash between the police and the public. Several videos have gone viral showing cops being attacked by lockdown violators. In one incident, a policeman was attacked in Dongri. Sandeep Bhagdikar, Senior Police Inspector, Dongri Police Station said, “We booked a miscreant from Dongri for assaulting an on-duty policeman who had stopped him when he was coming out of his home. The man did not give any satisfactory answer but instead abused the policeman and assaulted him.”
Four people have been arrested from the Govandi and Shivaji Nagar areas for attacking and abusing on-duty police personnel.
In times like these, many a rogue element have been taking undue advantage of spreading false and malicious information related to the pandemic to create panic, confusion, fear and unrest in the community. Everyone should understand that fake news is an enemy of the people. To curb the spread of disinformation, the Cyber Crime Unit of the Police Department has been on alert and taking strong action against individuals and groups behind fake news. “66 FIRs have been registered thus far. Many cyber fraudsters are also trying to cash in on the lockdown by circulating phishing traps. We have made a list of such frauds and issued an advisory on our Twitter handle. On April 7, 2020, the Malegaon Police arrested four people for circulating a religiously-provocative video related to the coronavirus,” said Balsing Rajput, Superintendent, Maharashtra Cyber Department.
As a layman, I think the men in uniform are doing a great job in bringing in a sense of discipline and hope at such times. It is time that all sections of society unite to bring an end to this dark phase that is enveloping our world.
Our Correspondent
