Odisha Collects Rs 16 Cr Fine For COVID Norms Violation

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police has collected Rs 16 crore as fine from the violators of COVID-19 guidelines in the the last two and a half months, said Odisha DGP Abhay.

Addressing media here on Thursday, a day after the state government announced partial relaxation in lockdown, Abhay said 1,486 persons have been arrested and fines collected. Similarly, cases have been lodged against 5.30 lakh persons for violating COVID regulations and 31,758 vehicles seized.

Informing about this, Abhay also appealed people to continue wearing mask and following social distancing to help the government check the spread of COVID-19.

He said the job of the police is to ensure safety of the public, crack property offences and maintenance of law and order. Enforcement and collection of fines is not the focus area of the police, he added.

Abhay said “Do not force us to take action. Follow COVID appropriate behaviour religiously. Though the situation has improved in Odisha, wearing masks and maintaining social distance will help us save ourselves from COVID-19.”