32 arrested, 12 vehicles seized for defying lockdown: Noida police

Thirty-two people were arrested and challans issued to owners of 231 vehicles across ida and Greater ida for allegedly defying coronavirus lockdown on Sunday, Gautam Buddh Nagar police said.

Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) Section 144 is in force in Gautam Buddh Nagar, which falls under coronavirus red zone even as lockdown restrictions continue due to pandemic which prohibit rmal movement in this district in western UP joining Delhi.

"Nine FIRs were registered on Sunday for lockdown violations and 32 people arrested. A total of 911 vehicles were checked across 200 barrier points in district and challans issued to 231 of m, while ar 12 were impounded," police said in a statement.

FIRs were registered under Indian Penal Code Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and violation of prohibitory orders put in place under CrPC Section 144, which bars assembly of four or more people, y said.

Over 5,400 people have been arrested till Sunday for defying lockdown since it came into force here on March 23, according to a police data available with PTI.

district ministration has alrey banned movement between ida and Delhi except for ambulances, doctors, media, and those directly involved in COVID-19 services.

Gautam Buddh Nagar police has extended restrictions imposed under CrPC Section 144 till May 17, which bars assembly of four or more people, covering duration of countrywide lockdown as anunced by central government.

All public events, including religious or political congregations, cultural or sports meet and processions, will remain banned till May 17 and action will be taken against violators, officials warned.

As of Sunday, 218 positive cases of coronavirus have been recorded in district including two deaths, while 135 patients have recovered and got discharged from hospitals, according to official figures.