Punjab Cops Collect Rs 15 Crore In Fines From Lockdown Violators

People across the country are facing stricter penalties for violating lockdown rules as coronavirus cases continue to rise. Rule violations include defying quarantine rules, not keeping distance, not wearing a mask when outside and spitting tobacco in public places.

The Tribune

In Punjab alone, a total of Rs 15 crore have been collected in fines by the Punjab police from the violators of COVID-19 rules. A major chunk of the collected amount came from residents who were caught without a mask at public places till July 31.

A total of 3,54,173 people were fined for not wearing masks in public places and as many as 1,460 FIRs were registered in relation to the violations. The fine was initially Rs 200 in the last week of May but was later updated to Rs 500.

As per data accessed by The Indian Express, Rs 14.90 crore in fines was collected from those not wearing masks. The fine was collected until July 31.

A total of Rs 1.19 crore were collected from 25,308 people in Jalandhar for the same violation, while Rs 91.81 lakh were collected from 18,907 people in Ropar.

¡°Some violators would agree to pay fine, others would boast of connections and drop names. In those cases, FIRs were lodged,¡± said Ropar Senior Superintendent of Police (SP) Swapan Sharma.

Punjab has imposed a fine of Rs 500 for not wearing mask in public place.

Image For Representation/Twitter

Around 551 FIRs were registered in Jalandhar against people who were not wearing masks.

In Ludhiana, the number of FIRs was 291 and in Batala, the number was 258. Ludhiana and Jalandhar were the areas with the highest number of COVID-19 cases as well as deaths.

Also Read: UP Police Punish Lockdown Violators By Making Them Write 'Mask Lagaana Hai' 500 Times

As per guidelines from the Punjab CMO, COVID-19 patients who are found violating home isolation instructions will have to pay a fine of Rs 5,000. Similarly, owners of restaurants and other eateries will have to pay a penalty of Rs 5,000 if they are found violating social distancing norms.

PTI

The state government said that violation of social distancing norms and social gatherings of more than the permitted strength will lead to penalties amounting to up to Rs 10,000.

Also Read: Chandigarh Cops Come Up With Brilliant Jugaad To Nab Lockdown Violators While Keeping Distance

As per the existing guidelines, shops and commercial places are liable to pay Rs 2,000 for violation of social distancing norms, while for buses and cars, such violations are punishable by Rs 3,000 and Rs 2,000, respectively, and in the case of auto-rickshaws and two-wheelers, the fine stands at Rs 500.

All Inputs PTI