Lonavala: The Pune rural police have taken action against 285 people who violated the government's curfew order in Maval taluka, during this weekend.

The lockdown has been carried out in the state to curb the spread of coronavirus and curfew has been imposed in Pune district. In spite of this, Lonavala city police in Maval taluka, Khalapur, Tolnaka, Khandala, Valvan, Kumar Chowk, Raywood and Nausena Bagh, Lonavala rural police, Versoli, Tolnaka, Karla Fata, Malwali, Bhaje, Pawannagar, Dudhivare, Kudhand police are setting up check posts at Pavana Chowk, Bhajgaon and Umberwadi Fata, Wadgaon, Talegaon Fata and Phalane Fata.

Speaking to Sakal Times the Lonavala Sub-Division police officer (SDPO), Navneet Kanwat said, "Despite the closure of all tourist spots in Maval taluka to curb the spread of coronavirus, cases were registered against 285 people for violating the curfew in Maval taluka on this weekend especially on Saturday and Sunday. Cases have been registered against 90 people who were travelling without e-pass, 135 people who were not wearing masks, more than three people in four-wheelers and more than one person on a two-wheeler. People are coming on two-wheelers to such tourist places in this pandemic time."

He added, "The instructions have been given to all the officers in charge of police stations to intensify the action. The Pune District Collector Naval Kishor Ram has banned tourists from visiting 31 places in Maval taluka. Strict action will be taken against the citizens violating it. It is not only the duty of the police but also the responsibility of the citizens to obey the orders lay down by the government. Citizens are urged to abide by the order and cooperate with the police in protecting their own health and the health of others."