In Kozhikode, sightseers throw caution to wind

Police ramp up shadow patrol in district

The unbridled rush of domestic tourists to unguarded hill tourism destinations and trekking spots violating lockdown regulations has prompted the police to ramp up shadow patrol in Kozhikode district. Vehicles used by many of such sightseers have beenpat impounded by squads. According to the Kozhikode Rural Police, many of those who were booked for the offence were unaware of the regulations. For them, the easing of lockdown regulations is seemingly a green signal for merriments in public places, the police said. Personnel from the Thamarassery police station said they were surprised to find as many as 18 motorbikes near a hill tourism destination at Amarad near Kattippara recently. Though the riders fled on seeing checking squads, all the vehicles were impounded and taken to the police station, they added.