Port Blair, July 29: Being one of the foremost frontline Corona Warrior, Andaman & Nicobar Police has been working relentlessly and tirelessly in fight against COVID-19. The Police department adopted two-pronged approach of spreading awareness and taking stringent action against the violators to contain the spread of Corona virus.
All means of communication, traditional as well as digital media, are being used to spread mass public awareness about care and precaution against transmission of COVID- 19. Painstaking efforts are being made to reach out each and every resident through face to face personal meetings, door to door interaction, public announcement through vehicle mounted public address (PA) system, special interactive programme at All India Radio and Doordarshan, campaign through social media such as facebook, twitter, whatsapp etc. Three songs were launched on facebook and You tube to disseminate the message of safety and safeguards against COVID-19.
On other hand, strict enforcement in the form of prosecution is being done under Indian Penal Code and Disaster Management Act, 2005 against wilful violators for violating the orders/directions issued by the Government of India and the A&N Administration from time to time. In last ten days, 35 people have been arrested for violations and more than 2900 people have been challaned under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Till, 28th July, 2020, a total of 288 cases have been registered in which 362 people have been arrested so far. As many as 1845 vehicles have been seized and around 17,500 people have been challaned for violation of National Directive for COVID-19 Management, resulting in imposing of fine amounting to Rs. 52.60 lakhs. As frontline Corona Warrior, some of the police officers and staff also contracted with COVID-19, but this did not dampen the spirit of police personnel in fight against COVID-19. The endeavour and action on the part of police department are continued unabated. A&N Police appeals to general public not to step out of their homes during lockdown on weekends until there is an absolute emergent situation.
To have more stringent enforcement and prosecution, A&N Police has further geared up and has decided to take the bull by its horns. To further increase its outreach, and add more muscles to prosecution, Andaman & Nicobar Police is launching its Motor cycle squad named as "Hawk Squad". There will be total 8 motorcycles in this squad. These motorcycles are equipped with many gadgets, including Public Announcement system. The idea behind introducing "Hawk Squad" is to increase mobility and swift response of the police to maximise police presence and visibility. "Hawk Squad" will be flagged of by Director General of Police from the Police Headquarters, Atlanta Point on 30th July, 2020 by observing necessary protocol and safeguards against COVID-19.