Farmers Movement Archive

In Haryana, 4.5 lakh fined for not wearing masks

CHANDIGARH: Gurgaon and Faridabad districts have not only emerged as hotspots with maximum Covid cases and deaths, but the two districts are also on the top when it comes to challans for not wearing masks. Haryana Police have so far collected a fine of Rs 22.58 crore by challanning 4,51,743 persons across the state for not wearing masks. The least number of challans have been issued in Rewari and Nuh districts. However, even as they have acted against civilians, police and other enforcement agencies in the state have shied from taking action against the organisers or coordinators of big gatherings, be it social, political or other congregations. Home minister Anil Vij, who also holds the charge of health ministry, admitted to less action on violations of social distancing and at big gatherings. “In our a recent meeting, we have given clear instructions for zero tolerance on violations. It does not matter who is the violation, they will face action,’’ said Vij. Of eight such cases of large gatherings without permission, one each has been registered in Kaithal and Gurgaon, while rest six cases are registered in Kurukshetra. These cases were registered against farmers and farm leaders who had been protesting against the three agriculture bills However, political rallies, especially those for the Baroda assembly seat byelection, went unnoticed. A huge number of political leaders, including former ministers, MPs and MLAs, were found to have tested positive for Covid after or during campaigning. According to data, 83,750 challans have been issued in Gurgaon district since July and 35,153 under Faridabad police commissionerate, with Rs 1.75 crore being collected in fine. In Palwal, 23,999 challans were issued.

The Times of India

2020-11-21

Chandigarh