The Government of Karnataka on Monday, April 6, directed Karnataka Police to book under relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 people who violate lockdown rules, make false claims or skip coronavirus containment measures.

Bengaluru Police maintains law and order post Ayodhya verdict
Karnataka govt authorises Police Inspectors (SHOs) to book those who violate coronavirus containment measure in the state.Twitter via Blr City Police

The letter clearly stated that any person violating the contentment measures of Covid-19 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be liable to be proceeded against, as per the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

"DG&IGP has requested to authorize Station House Officers, not below the rank of sub-inspector of the concerned police station to file complaints in respective Jurisdictional Courts in respect of the offences under the Disaster Management Act, 2005," read the letter.

A police personnel canes a motorcyclist during a curfew following violence in the city due to the Cauvery water sharing dispute with neighbouring state Tamil Nadu, in Bangalore on September 13, 2016
A police personnel canes a motorcyclist during a curfew following violence in the city due to the Cauvery water sharing dispute with neighbouring state Tamil Nadu, in Bangalore on September 13, 2016. Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for calm September 13, in the Indian tech hub of Bangalore which has been placed under curfew after deadly violence erupted over a long-running dispute with a neighbouring state over access to water.MANJUNATH KIRAN/AFP/Getty Images [Representational]

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao, IPS also took to Twitter stating that social distancing will be enforced more stringently in the public interest. "Your life is more important than your job," Rao tweeted.

The move came in the wake of reports of violation of lockdown across the state of Karnataka. On Sunday, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa appealed to the people of the state to not go out unnecessarily and put the health of others at risk.

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In a series of tweets, the Karnataka CM stated: "I have received a lot of complaints about lockdown not being followed effectively. Please remember that the key to end lockdown is in your hands."

12 more test positive for coronavirus in Karnataka 

At least twelve new confirmed positive cases of coronavirus have been reported in Karnataka, taking the total number of affected in the state to 163, the Health Department stated today.

"Twelve new positive cases have been reported from last evening to this noon... till date 163 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed. This includes 4 deaths and 18 discharges," the department said in a mid-day situation update.

Among the 12 new cases, seven people are from Mysuru, two from Bagalkote, who are wife and brother of a 75-year old man who died on April 3.

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