Delhi: Civil Defense volunteers injured in scuffle at traffic stop
Three Delhi Civil Defense volunteers were injured during a scuffle after a man's car was hit by a vehicle at a traffic signal in Delhi when they suddenly stopped a motorist for not wearing a mask, police said on Tuesday. "The fine for not wearing masks, as per COVID-19 norms, in public places and while driving is Rs. 2,000 in Delhi," police said.
The incident happened at the signal near IIT-Gate
These volunteers have no powers to impose fines but work in coordination with police to implement the norms. Police said a passerby, Jitesh, also got caught in the scuffle on Monday afternoon in south Delhi's Hauz Khas area and was hurt. "Three vehicles were involved in the incident at the signal near IIT-Gate," police said.
Driver of one car suddenly applied the brakes when stopped
"Just when the traffic lights turned green, the Delhi Civil Defense volunteers stopped a car to penalize its driver for not wearing a mask," they said. "As a consequence, the driver suddenly applied the brakes and the next car, driven by Gitesh Dagar, also abruptly stopped. Dagar's car was hit from behind by another vehicle due to the sudden halting," a police officer said.
Dagar was allegedly attacked with a belt by the volunteers
"Dagar came out of his car and argued with the Delhi Civil Defense employees following which he was allegedly attacked with a belt by them," he said. "Pedestrians gathered at the spot and they along with Dagar allegedly attacked Delhi Civil Defense volunteers of whom three were injured and admitted to a hospital," the officer said.
Two FIRs registered in connection with the incident
Police, however, said that the medico-legal reports of the injured persons are awaited. "The statement of those injured is being recorded," they said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Atul Kumar Thakur said, "Two FIRs have been registered in connection with the incident."
Action as per law is being taken; investigation is underway
One of the FIRs was registered on the complaint of the volunteers and the other, on a complaint from Dagar. "Action as per law is being taken and investigation is underway," Thakur said. To recall, Delhi HC in February had reserved its decision on several pleas challenging the imposition of challan for not wearing masks while driving a private car alone.
Justice Prathiba M Singh had heard arguments in the matter
Justice Prathiba M Singh had heard arguments on behalf of the Centre, Delhi government, and the petitioners who were fined for not wearing a mask while driving alone in their respective vehicles.
MoHFW advocate had said Delhi government should decide about it
Advocate Farman Ali Magray, appearing for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, had then submitted that the ministry has not issued any direction asking people to wear masks in a car when they are alone. He had also said that health is a state subject and the Delhi government has to take a decision on it.
Private vehicle held to be public place by SC: Government
The Delhi government had told the court that wearing a mask while driving an official or a personal vehicle was made compulsory by way of an office order in April last year and it remained in force. It also said that a private vehicle was held to be a public place by the Supreme Court.
