Manipur police collects Rs 1.45 crore fine from people violating COVID-19 norms

Imphal: Manipur police has collected a sum of Rs 1.45 crore as fine from people for violating COVID-19 guidelines in the state.

The Manipur State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has issued COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions like compulsory wearing of masks in public areas, no spitting in public and maintaining social distancing norms after the first coronavirus case was detected in the state in March.

A press release issued by the Inspector General of Police (Operations) E Priyokumar Singh had said on Tuesday that the cumulative number of violators detained ever since restrictions were imposed in the state in March is 1,07,362 while the number of vehicles detained is 51,850.

A sum of Rs 1,45,48,880 was collected as fine from people for violating the COVID-19 guidelines.

Thoubal district had reported the highest number of violators during the period with 45,456 individuals and 17,379 vehicles detained from whom Rs 38,95,640 was collected as fine.

Strict penalties have been imposed against individuals who have failed to wear masks, maintain social distance and spitting in public areas.

The state has so far reported a total of 28,096 COVID-19 cases till Tuesday with 26,521 having recovered from the disease, COVID-19 Common Control Room said.

The state now has 1,222 coronavirus cases while 3,53 people have died of the disease.

During the initial stage of coronavirus in Manipur, violators were produced before the executive magistrate for collection of fines.

On defying the curfew, the officials said the violation was reported earlier also and police could collect Rs 1 lakh daily as fines on an average. Local youths were extending cooperation to the police. The youths had erected bamboo fences and dug up roads to prevent violators.

Most of the detained youths claim that they had come out to buy medicines or for other urgent works.

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