Mumbai: Public places raided, 16,000 people fined for not masking up

Random checks were conducted at restaurants, clubs, gyms, marriage halls, etc. Representation pic

As COVID-19 cases started rising again last week, the BMC warned Mumbaikars against flouting safety protocols put in place to arrest the spread of the disease. But, the warning has fallen on deaf ears. On Saturday, the civic body found thousands of people sharing space at indoor venues in violation of precautionary measures.

During random raids at restaurants, clubs, gyms, cinema halls, marriage halls, etc, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Saturday penalised 16,154 people for violation of mandatory rule to wear masks.

People can be seen without masks at Juhu chowpatty on Friday. Pic/Ashish Rane

An FIR was also registered against the manager of a restaurant and pub in Bandra where COVID-19 appropriate behaviour was not being followed. During a surprise check after 11.30 pm on Saturday, civic officials of H West ward found around 200 to 250 people in the pub and no one was maintaining a safe physical distance as mandated for COVID-19, and many were without masks.

Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal has instructed officials to crack down on citizens seen in public without a mask. By penalising 16,154 people, the BMC collected Rs 32,30,800 in one day. Any person found without a mask or with a mask below their nose or on their chin are fined Rs 200.

Most violations in K West
Highest violations were reported from K West ward, which includes Andheri, Jogeshwari and Vile Parle, where action was taken against 2,345 people and R4.69 lakh was collected in fine. Fine amounting to Rs 2.31 lakh from 1,159 people was collected from H West ward comprising Bandra, Khar and Santacruz.

On Thursday, the BMC filed an FIR against four people who had returned from the Middle East. After landing in Mumbai, they were sent to a hotel for quarantine. K East ward officials received a complaint and went for a surprise check on Thursday, but the returnees were nowhere to be found.

A civic official said, "As per state government's instructions, everyone must wear a mask in public and crowded places. Violators will be fined R200. The BMC once again appeals to the citizens to wear a face mask while leaving their homes."

NCPA cancels shows
Meanwhile, the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) at Nariman Point on Sunday announced that it is cancelling all upcoming live shows till further notice. It is the first major organisation in the city to take such a step in view of the rising cases. The NCPA said it will start processing refunds for the current bookings soon.

Rs 32.3 lakh
Total penalty amount collected from violators on Saturday