First 'Sunday curfew' gets underway in Karnataka

first 'Sunday curfew' imposed by Karnataka government to try and contain spre of COVID-19 got underway in state today, with people by and large hering to rms, ros wearing a deserted look and almost vehicular traffic, barring essential services.

With barrices being up across most ros in state, people ventured out only to purchase groceries, vegetabes and medicines.

Instances of violation of Sunday curfew lockdown rms were reported in COVID-19 hotspots of Shivajinagar and Rayapura in Bengaluru and Nelamangala and Devanahalli.

Temples, malls, bars, eateries and small food joints remained shut throughout state. In most parts of state buses, autorickshaws and cabs did t ply.

In Bengaluru, ever bustling Majestic area, which houses central city bus stand, inter-city bus stand, Metro Railway Station and City Railway Station, did t see any activity as buses did t ply and all shops were shut, police said.

Reports from Mysuru, Tumakuru, Kolar, Mangaluru, Udupi and or towns across state said re were lockdown violations.

Amid rigid curfew marris were conducted in a simple manner in various parts of state like Gollarahatti and Yashwanthapura in Bengaluru and also in Davangere.

Families of brides and grooms invited only a few people for event, hered to social distancing rms and wore masks.

In Gollarahatti, event organisers cleaned ro, after which invitees, who were hardly 25 to 30 in number, sat down to have a feast.

Karnataka government h eased restrictions during Lockdown 4 for start of ecomic activities like city buses, inter-district bus service, intrastate train services, opening of shops and markets.

However, government h me it clear that re will be 'Janata Curfew' every Sunday during which only essential services would be permitted.