The second day of the lockdown showed the Ranchi district administration and police tightening its screws against people deliberately flouting the stay-home order in the wake of the Covid-19 risk.

Ranchi police adopted a name-and-shame strategy against people who ventured out casually, despite government orders to stay indoors and practise social distancing to avoid mass contact and viral infection.

The district administration and police on Tuesday effected sectorial isolation of the capital by closing HEC gate at the Birsa Chowk.The gate connects Dhurwa with rest of the capital.

At Bundu over a dozen youths chatting on the road were caught by the police. They were photographed along with a poster with a slogan saying “main samaj ka dushman hoon main ghar par nahin rahunga (I am the enemy of society. I won’t stay at home).”

A policeman on duty said it was surprising how casual some people were. “There are some people who deliberately violate government order of the lockdown and even argue if we tell them to go home. But we have to be firm.” He added that the lockdown was more effective on Tuesday.

Ranchi SDO Lokesh Mishra said the government has issued notification about essential services that are exempted from the lockdown. “Even today (Tuesday) the administration made announcements of the lockdown rules. Some people are mocking our concern. Legal action will be taken against them,” he said.

LPG chaos

At several outlets people stood in queues to refill LPG cylinders. They were under the impression that the doorstep delivery of LPG cylinders has been stopped. Lalpur resident Manoj Sharma on Twitter shared a video of the crowd outside Jayant Gas Agency and tagged CM Hemant Soren. Sharma alleged that the gas agency refused doorstep delivery. CM directed the Ranchi DC to inquire into the allegation. Indian Oil Corporation issued a circular to LPG distributors that point and godown deliveries will be allowed.

Hemant calls Baghel

CM Hemant contacted the Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Bahgel after he was told about some people from Jharkhand were stranded in the neighbouring state. The Chhattisgarh government arranged food and logistic support.

School visit

Officials of Ranchi police and administration on Tuesday visited a religious school at Parhepat in Ratu on the basis of information that many girl students had been kept despite the lockdown. Rural SP Rishav Kumar Jha said five girls were staying here.