Bengaluru top cop urges public to enforce mask rule; Warns criminal action against those flouting it

Criminal cases will be filed against those flouting face mask and social distancing rules and public can call police in case someone refuses to follow COVID-19 preventive rms in city, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao said on Sunday.

While police and civic body officials will patrol city roads and enforce mask rule and social distancing, public can also do ir bit and ask every or person to follow m, he said in a series of tweets as government stepped up efforts to contain spread of coronavirus.

Asking traders and ors to donate masks to underprivileged, he also warned of legal action against shops= and establishments if y did t implement rms such as wearing of masks and social distancing.

"DCPs n BBMP (city civic body personnel) are on streets to enforce wearing of masks and SD. Warnings w, criminal cases will follow. Urge every Bangalurean to enforce mask enforcement and SD. If people argue, call 100, we are ready to respond to your calls. RWA (Resident Welfare Associations) Traders Please Donate Masks to underprivileged," Rao tweeted.

He said, dont bor about high and mighty factor, whosoever it is, just tell people around you to wear a mask and t to hang it around neck.

Commissioner also said if shops, malls, banks, hotels, offices,and establishments do t implement mask wearing and ensure safe distance, City Police will raid and initiate legal action.

"This has already started, it's in Public Interest," he added.

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa had recently said, government has decided to take strict action against those t wearing masks and t maintaining social distancing.

Initially Rs 200 fine will be imposed, and this will be implemented throughout state, he had said as government stepped up measures to contain spread of COVID-19 cases in city.

A total of 2,531 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in city as of Saturday evening. This includes 84 deaths and 533 discharges.

number of COVID-19 cases in state had more than tripled to 11,923 on Saturday from 3,408 as of June 1 with capital city topping districts in infection count.

Im credits: Twitter / PTI