The district administration tightened the lockdown further as soon as the news spread.

The police swiftly swung into action and got the shops closed on Wednesday and restricted the vehicular movement on roads by erecting barricades.

Except for medical shops, all other shops downed their shutters.

Cases have been registered against the proprietors of more than four grocery shops as they failed to ensure the social distancing for the customers. Amid the prohibitory orders, permission has been given to the grocery shops to facilitate the public to buy grocery and need items.

Police Commissioner N Satish Kumar said as some grocery shops failed to sensitise the people on the need to maintain social distance, they used to visit the shop in droves. Hence, the proprietors of the shops have been held responsible, he said.

A case has been booked against the owner of the popular general store near MSK Mill, Staff & Shop on Sedam Road, Bavagi Super Bazar and other shops in the City.

Meanwhile, the people and motorists moving on Old Jewargi Road faced hardship on Wednesday evening as the police closed the road without any intimation.