A screengrab of the video that went viral Image Credit: Twitter/@ANI

While cops and first responders around the world are urging people to stay indoors and self-isolate, some people continue to violate rules of coronavirus lockdowns. On April 21, a ‘hilarious’ video went viral on Twitter in India showing police in the Indian state of Maharashtra, shaming violators in a unique way. Tired of using force or reprimanding them, the officials this time performed a ‘coronavirus aarti’ of the lockdown violators. An aarti is a religious Hindu prayer ceremony done with oil lamps to venerate deities.

In the video that was shared by the news agency ANI, a lady police official was seen performing aarti of the people who had come out for a walk, in Thane, a small town near Mumbai. Another policeman sang the parody of a popular hymn usually sung for the deity Vishnu when the aarti is performed. He replaced the lyrics of the prayer with the words: “Corona virus is taking lives, but some people just don't understand. Even after requesting them not to, they go out with vehicles and bring back coronavirus. … please give them some brains,” in Marathi.

Netizens who shared the video seemed amused with the way the Maharashtra police dealt with the situation.

Meanwhile, some pointed out that it was extremely careless of people to continue venturing outside instead of supporting the country in its fight against the COVID-19. And, others said it was unfair to stop people going our for essentials.

Reportedly, this incident took place near Ghodbunder road in Thane city. Cops across the country have resorted to various ways to try and keep people indoors. From delivering essentials at their doorsteps, to ‘dressing up like coronavirus,’ many tricks have been tried.

Recently in the state of Madhya Pradesh, police even shamed violators by handing them 'I am Enemy of Society' pamphlets. In another part of the country, those who broke the law, were made to do yoga, as reported by Gulf News earlier.

The first phase of the coronavirus lockdown was imposed from March 25 to April 14 in India. The shutdown was then extended for 19 more days till May 3.