'People can move freely': Pune top cop fact-checks 'curfew' buzz, says special prohibitory orders

PUNE: The city police have started cracking down on unauthorised hawkers, licensed vendors violating deadline norms and eateries operating on footpaths or beyond permitted hours.

The focus was on shutting down outlets running after 10pm without valid permission, Pune Police commissioner Amitesh Kumar said on Monday.

Clarifying the move, he said no special prohibitory orders have been issued restricting public movement. "People can move freely. These are the fortnightly orders that are regularly issued by the police. The orders are meant to prevent criminals from gathering in groups and causing harm to society or properties.,” he said.

On the ongoing action against roadside eateries and other establishments, he said, “Areas such as FC Road, JM Road, Karve Road, Kothrud, Baner, Kondhwa, Katraj and Phursungi attract a huge number of people late in the night for food and snacks. Such places are also frequented by criminals.,” the CP said.

“We studied the issue and found that hawkers, both the legal and illegal ones, were operating beyond the 10pm deadline. We are shutting such establishments, including paan kiosks, at 10pm,” he said.

The police are also shutting down and taking legal action against eateries that are illegally occupying footpaths and causing inconvenience to pedestrians. "Some eateries were operating till 3am. We have restricted them to 10pm. Licensed establishments such as restaurants and bars can function in accordance with the deadlines mentioned in their licences,” Kumar said.

In Pimpri Chinchwad, joint commissioner of police Shashikant Mahavarkar has issued prohibitory orders that would remain in force from 12am on May 27 till midnight June 9. The orders prohibit carrying inflammable or explosive substances, stones, weapons, firearms, sticks and sharp objects. Display or burning of symbolic effigies or photographs of individuals has also been banned.

The orders stated that raising provocative slogans, playing loud music, delivering inflammatory speeches or circulating material that could threaten public morality, state security or disturb law and order have been prohibited. The police have also barred gatherings of over five people, holding public meetings and taking out processions without prior permission from CP.