Stay home or pay the price!

Top cop to public: Do not violate night curfew starting today

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Taking a cue from Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Haryana, the Karnataka government will impose a ten-day, night-time curfew, beginning tonight. City Police Commissioner Kamal Pant issued a strong appeal to the general public not to violate the 10 pm to 5 am night curfew that will go into effect at 10 pm Tuesday. Those who break the rules will be slapped with National Disaster Management Cases which could see the drivers’ vehicles being seized and invite jail terms of up to two years for non-compliance.

“No passes will be issued to anybody for the duration of the ten day curfew. If anybody has any issues with the guidelines, they can take it up with the government, not the police. Vehicles that are in violation of the NDMC will be seized and such vehicles will be released only through court’s permission, “ the City Police Commissioner, emphasised in his message, signalling a tougher crackdown than had been previously envisaged.

Warning that “no passes will be issued to anybody for the 10 day curfew”, Pant also said “strictly adhere to the government guidelines.” Speaking to the media, Pant said night curfew will be put in place, in accordance with government guidelines.

“Nobody will be allowed to go outside. Only those who have exemptions as per the guidelines, only such people will be allowed to move during the night curfew. Cabs and bus facilities will be there. There will be nakabandi in all parts of the city with intense police patrolling,” he added.

“Apart from regular police patrolling, even senior police officers will patrol in their respective jurisdictions.

Those in medical emergencies can visit hospitals by producing documents pertaining to treatment when demanded by the policemen. Travelers can produce tickets and travel. Apart from this, there is a strict no to passes this time, unlike the previous night curfews,” the commissioner said.

The DCPs in their respective jurisdictions have held meetings with their sub divisional ACPs and the police station inspectors. Instructions have been issued about the night curfew arrangements in every police station limits. All the inspectors have been advised to be on vigil during the night curfew.

Apart from police, CCTV will watch for New Year’s Eve violations Speaking about the police arrangements for New Year’s Eve, the commissioner said that strict measures will be in place for the new year. “Large gatherings will not be allowed on Brigade Road, MG Road, Koramangala, Indiranagar and other places which attract footfalls. Anybody seen loitering without reason will be taken into custody of the police. CCTVs will be in place. Only 50 per cent occupancy is allowed for hotels, pubs and restaurants and even they should shut shop at 10 pm. Anybody who has an issue with the arrangements made by the police should take it up with the government. We are dutybound to follow government guidelines. The guidelines have been issued in the interest of the safety and security of the general public,” Pant added.