Noida: 12 arrested, 248 vehicles challaned for defying lockdown

Noida (UP), May 4 () Twelve people were arrested and challans issued to owners of 248 vehicles across Noida and Greater Noida on Monday for allegedly defying curbs imposed due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown, police said.

Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) section 144 is in force in Gautam Buddh Nagar, which falls in the 'Red Zone' for COVID-19, even as lockdown restrictions continue, prohibiting normal movement in the district in western UP adjoining Delhi due to the pandemic.

"Four FIRs were registered on Monday for lockdown violations and 12 people arrested. A total of 745 vehicles were checked across 200 barrier points in the district and challans issued to 248 of them, while another seven were impounded," the police said in a statement.

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

The district administration has already banned movement between Noida and Delhi, except for ambulances, doctors, media persons and those directly involved in COVID-19 services.

The Gautam Buddh Nagar police has extended the restrictions imposed under CrPC section 144 till May 17, covering the duration of the countrywide lockdown as announced by the central government.

All public events, including religious or political congregations, cultural or sports meet and protest marches and processions will remain banned till May 17 and action will be taken against violators under IPC section 188, officials said.

As of Monday, 179 positive cases of coronavirus have been recorded in the district, while 102 of these patients – 56.98 per cent – have recovered and were discharged from hospitals, they said. KIS IJT