Six cops challaned in Mela area for not wearing mask

Prayagraj: With the aim of preventing spread of Covid-19 in the Magh Mela area and strictly enforcing the pandemic protocol, the Magh mela police have started an intensive checking drive against those not wearing masks in the mela area. To begin with, the police on Wednesday challaned six of their own personnel, including five constables and one lady head constable even as coronavirus took several policemen into its grip.
“We want to give a clear and loud message to everyone coming to Magh Mela that they have to strictly comply with the set norms in view of Covid-19 pandemic.Setting an example, we thought of correcting our home first and thus six police personnel were fined for not wearing masks,” said superintendent of police, Magh Mela, Rajiv Narayan Mishra. The official while talking to TOI added, “The drive would continue in the mela area wherein the quantum of fine would increase each time an individual is fined, to start with a fine of Rs 100 has been set for first-time offenders.”
The SP Magh Mela further said that the police personnel are repeatedly appealing to seers, devotees and visitors coming to the mela area to wear facemasks and follow all the norms laid down under Covid-19 protocols. “However, making people aware and requesting has to go along with a deterrent and fining the offenders is one such step,” added Mishra. The six policemen, who were not wearing masks in the mela area, were challaned under section 15(3) of the UP Covid-19 (Second Amendment) Rules and mitigation fee was collected on the spot from them. All the station in-charges have been instructed to check the persons not wearing masks in their respective areas and at the important places of the mela area. Magh Mela authorities had earlier announced that not wearing masks in the mela area would invite fines. The authorities have also announced that each kalpwasi and seer, camping in the mela area should be vaccinated and should possess a negative RTPCR report with them.