Crime in the time of Coronavirus: Fake masks, sanitisers, and forehead thermometers

While the cops are busy enforcing curfew and feeding the poor, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) is engaged in weeding out fake products in the city. From fake sanitisers, masks and forehead thermometers to online gamblers, the cops are busy as ever.

Only yesterday, CCB seized 1500 litres of highly inflammable chemicals like Isoprophyl alcohol and Acetone that were illegally stored in Wilson Garden for making fake sanitizers. According to Joint Commissioner (crime) Sandeep Patil, these chemicals are being used due to their inflammable nature. However, he added that they are highly dangerous to be stored in residential areas without precautionary measures.

Similarly, the cops have arrested two people of online poker sites in two separate raids to prevent betting and gambling. However, poker is considered a game of skill and not chance by the Karnataka High Court in a 2013 case itself. Therefore, we are not sure if the cops were misinformed about this.

In other news, the cops have found people illegally selling liquor at very high prices. Two people have been arrested and more than 100 bottles have been seized. In another raid, the CCB raided warehouses in Bangalore and seized fake masks and fake forehead thermometers that had no manufacturer name. According to the cops, the thermometers were invoiced for Rs 3,000 and sold for Rs 10,000. In another raid, the cops found that the accused made masks with normal cloth and placed a fake N95 seal to sell them at a high price. “We will weed out such anti socials who try to prey on people’s vulnerabilities in this hour of crisis,” says Patil.

If you spot such illegalities in your neighbourhood, call 100. Stay home, stay safe, and stay vigilant.