K. Chandrashekar Rao, the Chief Minister of Telangana, on the 21st of May, held a virtual conference with the District Collectors and police official in Telangana.
During the meeting, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) President directed officials to ensure everyone are following the strict guidelines of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the implemented lockdown in the State. Telangana is under strict lockdown since the 12th of May, which would continue till the 30th of May. The decision to impose the lockdown was taken to prevent the spread of the Wuhan virus, especially when the State is suffering with the second wave of the Wuhan virus.
In addition, the Hyderabad Police, the Cyberabad Police and the Rachakonda Police are on alert and deployed more than 5,000 officials across the State, to ensure strict implementation of the imposed lockdown.
Recently, the Hyderabad Police also filed 16,000 cases against those who violated the lockdown norms. They also urged people to stay indoors and not to venture out if not necessary.
This sudden development is an offshoot of Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao’s assessment of lockdown measures during a video conference.
Sharing details of the video conference with The Hindu, a top police officer in the capital said that Mr. Rao was upset over laxity with which their department was implementing the lockdown in Hyderabad and elsewhere in the State.
A police official on the condition of anonymity said, “He told us that our force is not implementing the lockdown effectively, as a result people are venturing on streets even during the restricted timings.”
The CM appeared to have told the police bosses that he was not convinced with their ‘style of functioning’ and asked them to step up lock down neasures.
Soon after Mr. Rao’s marathon video conference, DGP M Mahender Reddy held another video conference with all Commissioners and Superintendents of police.
Later, the Inspectors General of Police of two zones (North and West) held another discussion with the unit officers over implementation of lockdown from Saturday, following which the CsP and SsP held a teleconference with their respective officers.
On Friday evening Hyderabad Commissioner of Police Anjani Kumar took to Twitter and warned the citizens not to come out of their houses . “This is a warning that we will be very firm from May 22. After 10 a.m do not come out of your houses,” he stated in an audio message. He said that not many were taking the lockdown seriously, and were exposing the society to the threat of Coronavirus by moving on streets.
“Seen unwarranted movement of youth on roads in lockdown from 10 am onwards. 22nd May 10am onwards vehicles will be strictly checked & seized if violation of GO102 and GO8 is noticed.#YourSafetyOurConcern,” tweeted Rachakonda Commissioner of Police Mahesh M. Bhagwat.
“We care for you. But that’s not enough. We have a larger goal of protecting the community. Requesting your cooperation during the implementation of lockdown in @hydcitypolice. @TelanganaCOPs request you to pl. use the relaxation time and reach your homes before 10 am. Thankyou,” tweeted Hyderabad Joint Commissioner of Police (East Zone) M Ramesh.
