Viral rumour helps keep lockdown .....An empty passenger does what cops can’t

A crowded Raiganj street on Tuesday. (Kousik Sen)

Kousik Sen, TT, 6.05.20, Raiganj: An empty passenger train that arrived at Raiganj railway station on Tuesday afternoon did what police had failed to do despite their sincere attempts — dissuade people from coming out of their homes during the lockdown.

This is because after the train reached here, a rumour that it is carrying coronavirus- infected workers from other states spread across Raiganj, prompting people to rush back home.

For the past few days, particularly after the announcement that North Dinajpur district was one of the green zones in Bengal, hundreds have been coming down every day.

“Most of them were coming on flimsy pretexts and not listening to us. We have been making public announcements across the town, asking them to stay indoors and reiterating that the lockdown is still in force. Free and indiscriminate movement of people are not allowed in green zones and this is something that these people are failing to understand,” said a senior police officer.

Since Tuesday morning, hundreds of people had come out of their houses, visiting marketplaces and shops and even sitting together and chatting in groups.

“I had gone out to buy some medicines and was surprised to see the crowd in the streets. It was like any normal day. Such reckless attitude of a section of people can pose fresh problems for others. There is no point in moving outside only because no positive case has been reported in the district so far,” said Sukumar Dutta, a retired government employee.

As people came out in large numbers, policemen were spotted in the streets, in prominent crossings and even in localities. They were moving around, asking people to return home early.

“Many of those who were alerted had a nonchalant attitude. It was disappointing,” the police officer said.

However, the town witnessed a dramatic change after 1.30pm and the streets turned deserted in an hour’s time, soon after an empty passenger train chugged into the local station.

It was a scene to watch. Those loitering around for “urgent work” rushed back their homes. Shops downed their shutters and two-wheeler riders went back. There was panic and hurry among people across Raiganj, who turned desperate to reach their homes at the earliest.

Later, it was learnt from railway officials that the train had been sent from Katihar station as several rakes were stranded there following suspension of passenger trains.

“Windows and doors of most coaches were close, which further fuelled the rumour. It is interesting that an empty train and a rumour completely changed the situation,” he added.