Mumbai lockdown: Weekend curbs kick in today

All police personnel on leave have been asked to resume duty

This weekend is perhaps a hint of what's to come and a reminder of 2020. The state government has imposed a complete lockdown in the city on the weekend. Citizens must mandatorily stay inside. The lockdown, which started on Friday at 8 pm, will end on Monday at 7 am. People stepping out will be booked and will have to pay Rs 1,000-Rs 2,000 as fine.

Mumbai police act against violators during the lockdown in 2020. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

The police and municipal corporation have appealed to citizens to follow the rules and stay at home. Only essential services' staff have been allowed to work. Other offices and shops will remain closed.

Speaking to mid-day, Mumbai Police PRO and DCP (Operation) Chaitanya S said, "Only in an emergency people can step out of their house. If people violate the lockdown they will be booked under the Epidemic Diseases Act and section 188 of the IPC. They will also have to pay a fine of Rs 1,000-Rs 2,000."

Chaitanya added, "There will be heavy bandobast in Mumbai. All police officials on leave have been asked to resume duty immediately. The Rapid Action Force and other forces will be deployed."

Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal said, "We are continuously planning with the police to control this virus. We request citizens not to break the law and to help the government in this lockdown. Only if the government, management and local people come together, can we come out of this deadly situation."

He added, "Only labourers who can't order food can go to collect their parcels from food stalls for their homes. If others do so, they will be booked."