Coronavirus | T.N. police start invoking Disaster Management Act against those violating restrictions

One arrested for circulating false message on coronavirus and another for keeping liquor outlet open and entertaining crowd

Workers from TNSTC spray disinfectant on a bus amid concerns over the spread of the Coronavirus, in Madurai. | File

Days after the Centre declared COVID-19 a national disaster, Tamil Nadu police are invoking provisions of the Disaster Management Act against those violating the restrictions and regulations imposed by the State government to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Two cases have been registered under the Act on Tuesday in Madurai district.

Tamil Nadu govt orders all educational institutions, malls, theatres shut till March 31

While the Madurai City police booked a person for running a bar attached with a TASMAC retail shop against the State government’s order for closure of bars till March 31, the Madurai District police booked another person for circulating a “false” message through WhatsApp on COVID-19.

A team of officials from the Prohibition Enforcement Wing, on Tuesday, found that one N. Ibrahim of Ramanathapuram had kept the bar open in Mela Anupanadi and entertained a big gathering of customers. As part of its elaborate measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, Tamil Nadu government had ordered closure of schools, colleges and commercial establishments from Tuesday.

“These restrictions are meant to prevent large gatherings of people so that the virus does not spread through human contact. All malls, cinema theatres, gyms, clubs and bars have been ordered to be closed till March 31. However, this bar was kept open and guests were supplied liquor and snacks putting their health in danger,” Commissioner of Police (Madurai City), S. Davidson Devasirvatham, said.

The police seized 56 IMFL bottles and arrested Ibrahim for obstructing the police from discharging their duty under provisions of the Indian Penal Code, and for refusing to comply with the government order under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act.

Meanwhile, a video clip about COVID-19 spreading to 47 persons in Rajakkoor sent by M. Selvam (40) of Manachanallur in Tiruchi went viral on social media.

The police said that the man who was operating harvester machinery had attempted to create panic by saying that people affected with COVID-19 were being provided accommodation and given treatment at an apartment constructed by the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board, under Othakadai police station limits.

“We have booked him under Section 54 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, for circulating a false message on a disaster attempting to create panic,” Superintendent of Police, N. Manivannan said. The man has been arrested and sent to judicial custody.