Tackling Lockdown Rebels: Indian police play good cop, bad cop
One minute they're dancing in the street in comical coronavirus helmets, the next they're seen beating people for flouting a nationwide lockdown -- Indian police have played good cop, bad cop in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus.
The streets of India's cities have been largely deserted for more than a week of the government's 21-day lockdown -- no mean feat in a country of 1.3 billion people famed for their flexible attitude towards authority.
Police admit it has been hard work to keep citizens in their homes, while one analyst said some degree of coercion was needed to enforce government orders.
India yesterday reported 376 fresh cases and three new deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 1,637 and 38 deaths.
In Bangalore, traffic police are using humour to discourage drivers from venturing out.
Two officers wearing red and green coronavirus helmets regularly dance around miscreant road users after pulling them over.
Vijay Hadagil, inspector of police at the traffic department said the tableau aimed to raise awareness that "the notorious coronavirus is spreading like anything".
Despite the good cop routine, authorities have also been embarrassed by videos on social media from the early lockdown days showing Delhi police beating vegetable traders at a market that remained open after the shutdown was ordered.
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