Visakhapatnam: Cops book 340 for not wearing masks
Visakhapatnam: The police department has started enforcing a fine of Rs100 for those violating the rule on wearing masks.
As part of the initiative, the cops have so far booked 340 cases against the violators.
But how far the initiative is going to be effective to inculcate discipline among people has to be seen.
Many wonder whether the new rule is applicable only for commonman or even for politicians, VIPS and officials, who are often seen without a mask or a mask mostly dangling around their necks.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police R K Meena has introduced the use of umbrellas to maintain social distancing while buying liquor in the city. Despite the rush witnessed at liquor outlets, not many followed it even for three consecutive days. Many continue to flout social distancing norms at various liquor shops and they do get away with it.
Though the use of umbrellas remained ineffective, it did not draw flak either as no fine was charged against the violators.
But when it comes to wearing masks, the police began registering cases against the violators from the day one. The initiative drew appreciation from various quarters as people will now be more serious in following Covid-19 safety protocols.
With the city inching closer to 700-mark coronavirus positive cases, the onus to follow hygiene standards lies on everyone.
The police should charge fine against all the violators without any discrimination otherwise the initiative has the possibility to become controversial.
As many organisers continue to fail wearing masks in essential commodity distribution campaigns and other programmes, charging fine only to a section of people may not go down well among denizens.
With vehicles not being allowed to move around after 9 pm except for emergency purposes as part of confining people's movement, some commuters argue that the police fail to treat all on a common platform in this regard. And they worry that making masks mandatory should not be limited to only some.