Police crackdown to ensure bazaars in Kolkata close at 10am – Times of India

Across the big markets in the city, like Gariahat, Manicktala, Lansdowne and Lake Market, most sellers and buyers wore masks.

KOLKATA: To ensure that bazaars don’t flout norms, police alighted at different markets of the city at 10am to ensure that all vegetable and fish sellers wind up their shops. The state is experiencing partial lockdown from Saturday for an indefinite period. All markets are supposed to operate between 7am and 10am and again from 3pm to 5pm.
Across the big markets in the city, like Gariahat, Manicktala, Lansdowne and Lake Market, most sellers and buyers wore masks. People came to buy on time; those who came later than 10am were requested by the police to return. Cops asked sellers to stop selling immediately. Loudspeaker announcements were also made by the police.
“I was at the Lansdowne Market when I saw the police arrive at exact 10am asking everyone to wind up. Police also started locking up gates, forcing everyone to leave,” said Snehendu Koner, who is business head of a clinical research organisation that is facilitating vaccine development and clinical trials in the city.
“At Lake Market where I was buying groceries, the shopkeeper was asked to stop selling since it was 10am already,” he added.
The scene was similar at Gariahat and Kasba markets too. Many who had reached late left their bags and lists with the sellers. They would keep the stuff packed and ready for the evening shift, for the buyers to come and collect. “This will help to curtail the waiting time. I know my greengrocer for long and I know I won’t be cheated,” said retired BSF officer, Suhrid Paul. Many sellers in the markets have started home delivery services, within a limited radius.