It was a complete disregard for law in Salem region

TNN | Mar 26, 2020, 04.59 AM IST

SALEM: In a complete disregard for the state government’s efforts to contain Covid-19 outbreak by imposing Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, people in Salem region on Wednesday took to streets in large numbers as usual.

While Salem city police booked 10 motorists for violating Section 144 and registered another 1500 cases of traffic violation, a total of 54 people were arrested across Namakkal district for violating Section 144. Namakkal superintendent of police R Arularasu said people had gathered in large groups in various places of the district.

Talking to TOI, Salem city police commissioner T Senthil Kumar said strict action would be taken against the people who violate CrPC section in the coming days. “Since it was the first day of curfew, we warned the public, especially motorists, when they came out on roads. Ten of them were booked under Sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Indian Penal Code.”

He said many motorists had taken to the streets for jolly rides while the entire nation was fighting Covid-19 outbreak. “I have directed police personnel to check medical prescriptions and identity cards of road users. Those who fail to produce relevant documents will have to face the law.”

Meanwhile, district collector S A Raman ordered closure of all kinds of tea shops and bakeries from 6pm on Wednesday. He also warned them of strict criminal action, if they were to remain open.

In a few places, including Sathyamangalam in Erode district and Salem city, police personnel resorted to lathi-charge to send out a strong message to the motorists

A senior district administration official in Erode said bikers, especially college students, were coming out of their houses without any valid reasons.