Amritsar: The Amritsar police commissionerate has imposed ban on face covering for two-wheeler riders. The Amritsar police is reported booking those ‘violating’ the ban. As per the Indian Express 46 bikers were held by the police in 2 days for covering their faces while riding their two wheelers in the city.
According the the Amritsar police commissioner, the ban was imposed under section 144 of Cr. P. C. The orders were issued after Hindutva leader Jagdish Gagneja was attacked by unidentified persons in Jalandhar who were on a motorcycle and had covered with faces with handkerchiefs.
At Novelty Chowk, police clicked pictures of violators on their mobile phone, to be used as evidence, and arrested them for violating the ban under section 144 of IPC.
Police stop a rider who had his face covered | Source: The Indian Express
Those arrested are provided instant bail too, if they are able to call in a person to serve as a guarantor. They would then be asked to appear before court where, if convicted, it would be recorded. Around 46 have been arrested in last two days.
“We had publicised the ban properly. However, still many do not follow it,” said Amritsar police commissioner Amar Singh Chahal.
The Sikh youth, who wear turban and cover their face to avoid pollution, are becoming targets of the police move.
The police commissioner said that there was no problem if people wore helmets.
“Helmet is legal and they still reveal some information about the commuter. The eyes of the commuters are visible then. But scarfs covers all the face and then some commuters wear goggles. So we have been pushing hard to impose this ban,” said Chahal.
“Commuters should understand that this is not routine fine. If convicted, you are a convict.” Indian Express quotes ADCP traffic Harjit Singh.