Kolkata: Kolkata wore an unforeseen look on Monday evening as roads turned empty, major establishments were closed and shutters of shops were pulled down at 5 pm with "complete safety restrictions" imposed in 46 "urban and rural areas" in Bengal to check the spread of COVID-19.
The Mamata Banerjee government had announced on Sunday that the restriction period will be imposed from Monday at 5 pm and will continue till Friday midnight.
Police have set up check posts at different places to ensure that no one moves around without any valid reason. Police were also found addressing people in different parts of the city, making them aware of the needs of staying indoors in this situation. As per the state government order, "any person found violating these instructions shall be deemed to have committed an offence punishable under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code."
The roads were found comparatively empty since morning itself, but the situation completely changed after 5 pm as there was hardly anyone was seen apart from traffic personnel. A car moving towards Esplanade on Jawaharlal Nehru Road was stopped by a traffic sergeant at Park Street crossing and the driver was asked not to move around. "No vehicles apart from those of essential services or carrying essential commodities are permitted to ply till Friday evening," the traffic sergeant told the driver of the car. The people, who came out of their houses in morning to complete urgent works before the restriction got imposed, were found hurrying from around 3 pm onwards to get buses or other modes of transport to enter home before 5 pm.
"People found loitering in the streets are being instructed to get to their homes. If anyone is found violating the order further, legal actions will be taken against the person. Officers in the field have been instructed accordingly. Divisional Deputy Commissioners are supervising the process," said Joint Commissioner of Police, Headquarters, Kolkata Police.
Commissioner of Kolkata Police Anuj Sharma tweeted on Monday evening, requesting citizens to stay home. He also asked the citizens not to venture outside apart from urgent and unavoidable purpose.
Sharma further cautioned stating that people are liable for any legal action against them for infringement of the restriction.