Cops book 3,411 for violating orders issued to contain Covid-19 spread
MUMBAI: Since restrictions were imposed by the Maharashtra government for preventing the spread of Covid-19 over the fortnight, state police has booked of 3,411 people for violating various orders.
“Over the past fortnight, we have registered a total of 3,411 casevs under IPC section 188 across the state for against people for violating orders taken out in order to prevent the outbreak of Covid-19,” said Milind Bharambe, special inspector general, law and order, Maharashtra.
These offences have been registered for various reasons including violation of home quarantine rules, keeping hotels and other eateries open, operating pan shops and other shops which are not included in essential services but were still operating, unlawful assembly of five or more people in one place, use of vehicles by people which are not included in essential services and hawkers. Bharambe said, “We will continue to crack down on people who violate the orders.”
EXERCISE CAUTION WHILE BROWSING
The city’s police department has recommended people exercise caution while browsing websites that seek donations or sell sanitisers and surgical masks in light of the outbreak of Covid-19. Some of these are using malware to steal personal data, which may be used to carry out financial fraud at a later stage.
According to an advisory issued by the ministry of home affairs on March 24 (Tuesday), “Some cyber fraudsters are spreading a malware link, a so-called Coronavirus app like Spymax, Corona live 1.1, etc, which when opened steals confidential data from receiver’s phone.” Deputy commissioner of police (cyber) Vishal Thakur said, “Though we have not yet received any official complaint, we have learnt that other law enforcing agencies and police units are receiving complaints, which indicate cybercriminals are taking advantage of the situation and are coming up with new modus operandi.”
DCP Thakur said the police are monitoring the spread of rumours regarding Covid-19 on social media. “Content with fake and unreliable information is being pulled down from social media platforms.,” he said.
MUMBAI: Thirty-two-year-old Andheri resident Varun Bharti gave a live performance in the New Mhada Complex neighbourhood of Lokhandwala on Thursday evening, to entertain the nearby residents amid the lockdown.
Bharti, a professional singer, had on Wednesday stepped into his balcony and began humming a song. When some of his neighbours heard him, they made requests for some songs. A while later, Bharti decided to set up his music system and perform a gig for the neighbourhood.
“Residents began gathering below my building and cheered for me, until they were requested to go back home owing to the social distancing norm. I thought it would be good stress buster and an entertainment for everyone because they are bored at home. But I didn’t know I would get such a good response,” said Bharti.
After a hit performance on Wednesday, Bharti performed on Thursday, owing to the large number of requests he had received. “Today, I had already received 50 song requests. I have planned to sing every day during this 21-day lockdown,” Bharti told HT on Thursday.
There are 16 buildings in the complex, housing around 1,000 flats and 2,500 residents. Owing to the lockdown, many societies within the complex are taking several initiatives to ensure that residents are kept entertained throughout the 21-day period.
For instance, Versova Andheri Samarth Kripa society has arranged for carrom and table tennis matches, for which a group of two to three residents can go at a time and play. “We have sanitised our society.residents who are bored can visit the sports room,” said society secre
tary Sunil Sadadekar.
Societies are ensuring hygiene is followed in the premises. “We have sanitised our building. The elevators are sanitised every day. Our housekeeping staff have been provided with masks,” said Sunil Arrorkar, chairman of Versova Sama Darshan 1D.