MARGAO
With the extension of the curfew till May 31 and the South Goa District Collector, Ruchika Katyal, IAS, calling for its strict adherence, the Goa police in Margao and Fatorda went about cracking a whip against business establishments and vendors in the commercial capital.
The Fatorda police also went a step ahead and erected barricades at the entrance and exit to the SGPDA market to ensure customers followed the curfew.
In her order, the Collector stated that Covid-19 cases are still being reported in high numbers in Goa and other parts of the country, and the situation might further aggravate due to public gatherings.
She said to contain the spread of the pandemic, certain measures were undertaken and more were required. “In my considered opinion, there are sufficient grounds for proceeding under sub section (l) of section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 to continue with the preventive steps, taken vide Order No. 37/19/2020/L & O/MAG/4089 dated 12/05/2021, to contain the spread of the virus by restricting public gatherings and activities,” she stated, while issuing direction for the extension of the curfew till May 31.
While saying that additional restrictions in containment zones shall remain in force, the District Collector has warned of punishment under section 188 of the IPC and under the relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act for contravention of the order.
Following reports that a couple of beef meat stalls were open in the Gandhi Market, the Margao police shut down the premises, pointing out to the Collector’s order extending the lockdown till May 31.
The Fatorda police were also on the ground on Sunday morning, driving away vendors in and around the Old Market area and other places doing business.
