Tone down action against Swiggy, Zomato food delivery executives: DGP to cops
The DGP has issued instructions to "tone down" the action. He has also prevented police officers from stopping or checking delivery executives of Zomato, Swiggy, Big Basket, Flipkart, and Amazon.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 23 May 2021 7:19 AM GMT
Hyderabad: A day after the Telangana police detained and assaulted food delivery executives causing a public outcry, the DGP has issued instructions to "tone down" the action. He has also prevented police officers from stopping or checking delivery executives of Zomato, Swiggy, Big Basket, Flipkart, and Amazon.
The director general of police, Mahendra Reddy, in an internal communication advised "toned down and balanced enforcement" while identifying persons travelling without valid pass, ID cards, or supporting documents.
In the communication to SHOs and ACPs, the DGP asked the officers to ensure that no inconvenience is caused to doctors, medical and nursing staff, paramedical staff, hospital administrative staff, people out on medical emergencies, patient's attendants, and medicines and medical equipment suppliers. Also, no inconvenience should be caused to thalassemia patients, the DGP added.
Meanwhile, on Saturday 5,680 cases were booked in the Hyderabad city limits against lockdown violators while in Cyberbad, 2,000 cases were booked against the violators. Around 92 four-wheelers, 36 three-wheelers, 592 two-wheelers were seized for breaking the rules.
Despite food delivery services being exempted under the current lockdown guidelines, the Hyderabad police on 22 May had detained and beat up several delivery executives for food delivery apps like Swiggy and Zomato. Their vehicles were seized and they were forced to walk for miles to reach their homes.
The police decided to strictly implement the lockdown after Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao reviewed the lockdown situation in the state in Warangal on Friday. All activities allowed till Friday were suddenly stopped on Saturday without any prior information.
In view of this, The state chief has instructed personnel to ensure that entry and exit points of all major towns and cities across the state will be closed during the lockdown and only permitted vehicles that provide essential services would be allowed.
The DGP warned that all unauthorised vehicles would be seized and returned post lockdown only. "Only emergency vehicles with proper permission are exempted," he added. He advised the public to utilise the relaxation time for procuring groceries and other necessary items and not wander on the roads.
The DGP instructed the companies to adhere to the lockdown guidelines and plan their shift timings accordingly. "Workforce movement during will not be tolerated," he added. "All other vehicles without permission will be seized," he said. The DGP requested the public to observe lockdown strictly, stay home and be safe.
