Following the Omicron variant scare,Hyderabad cops crackdown on mask violators

Following the Omicron variant of Coronavirus scare, the police department has intensified its drive against mask violators and booking cases against them.

According to police officials, the department has booked 9,89,340 cases so far in 2021 as against 3,26,758 cases in 2020. Most of these cases were registered in GHMC limits.

Though it has been cracking the whip on mask violators since the outbreak of the virus in the State, the department, this time, has decided to focus more on crowded areas like markets where a large number of people visit to purchase vegetables and essential commodities.

Using surveillance cameras that have been installed at every nook and corner of the State apart from traffic intersections, the police are taking action. The artificial intelligence (AI) technology is also helping the department in the crackdown, officials told Telangana Today.

The police personnel from each police station are also manually registering cases with the help of their smart phones and Tabs provided to them under provisions of  Disaster Management Act.

Traffic police said the instances of some motorists covering their vehicle number plates with masks to prevent from being identifying the registration number



came to their notice. However, the police are succeeding in identifying vehicle owners and registering cases for not only violating mask rule but also travelling with the improper number plates.

Be it a person driving a car, three-wheeler or motorcycle, the police department is leaving no stone unturned in taking necessary action against violators. The patrolling teams are focusing on booking cases against pedestrians for failing to wear mask in their police station limits.

Resident welfare associations are requesting the police not to spare mask violators at crowded places. “It is the responsibility of everyone to adhere to safety norms prescribed by the government. If anyone ignores safety norms, then necessary action should be taken against them,” said United Federation of Resident Welfare Associations general secretary BT Srinivasan.

Cases booked so far in 2021 : 9,89,340

Cases booked in 2020 : 3,26,758

Hyderabad Police Commissionerate : 2,778

Cyberabad Police Commissionerate : 770

Rachakonda Police Commissionerate : 1,568