MLC ditches mask, among Bengaluru’s over 2,000 daily offences

BENGALURU: A member of legislative council (MLC) was stopped by police for not wearing a mask in Jayanagar on Wednesday, becoming one of the over 2,000 people caught on average daily for ignoring the crucial safety precaution in the city.
The MLC allegedly refused to pay the fine, scolding police personnel and BBMP marshals for flagging him down, and walked off.
“He lost his temper when he was asked to pay the fine. Police and BBMP marshals reminded him that he cannot disregard the rule just because he was a council member,” said an IPS officer said. “His guard and driver, who were wearing masks, also shouted at cops and finally, he left without paying the fine.” The MLC’s name was not disclosed as no formal complaint was filed over the episode.
On Wednesday, 1,866 people were booked in Bengaluru for not wearing face coverings in public places. In the past eight days, nearly 17,000 such cases have been registered. Almost every health expert recommends the use of facial coverings to cut the risk of coronavirus infection. Last week, Bengaluru police launched a special drive against healthsafety infractions, including distancing lapses. BBMP marshals are accompanying them, fining offenders Rs 200 each. Young professionals, students, businessmen, store owners and shoppers are among groups of people routinely caught for mask and distancing violations, surprising police and civic teams that expect them to show greater awareness during a pandemic. “On the other hand, most autorickshaw drivers, daily-wage workers and street vendors follow guidelines and wear a mask,” the IPS officer said.
Hundreds of offences are registered at places like malls, branded jewel marts, garment stores and eateries. BBMP officials down shutters of establishments where staff members and customers disregard the mask rule.
Other cities are also conducting such crackdowns. The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has collected around Rs 96,000 in fines over mask-use violations. It made masks in public spaces and workplaces mandatory on May 1. Health officer DG Nagaraj said MCC had formed teams in all nine zones. In Mangaluru, the civic body has created a task force to conduct surprise inspections at public places and shops.