Streets wore a deserted look as all shops, including those selling fruits, vegetables, grocery items, sweets and other eatables, remained closed and public transport was unavailable in the steel city that observed a complete lockdown along with the rest of the state on Sunday.

The shutdown, which was implemented from 4 pm of Saturday, will remain in force till 6 am, Monday.

Dhanbad-Govindpur road during the lockdown at Saraidhela in Dhanbad on Sunday. Picture by Shabbir Hussain

Lockdown restrictions were not applicable for medical emergencies and those going to vaccination centres.

Check-points were activated in Sakchi, Bistupur and other places. Cops were deployed at strategic locations and in all important thoroughfares to prevent movement of people.

A deserted view of Sakchi market on Sunday. Picture by Bhola Prasad

Several auto-rickshaw drivers and owners of private vehicles had to end up paying fines of Rs 500 in Sakchi, Bistupur, Mango, Sonari and other places for defying lockdown orders.

Those possessing e-passes for inter- district travel were allowed to go.

A team of East Singhbhum district officials also went around rural blocks of Baharagora and Chakulia to enforce the lockdown.

A deserted road during the lockdown at Jharia on Sunday. Picture by Shabbir Hussain

"The complete lockdown was a success both in the rural and urban areas of the district,"said N.K Lal, ADM (law and order).

Notably, the state government has extended Covid-related lockdown- restrictions till June 17.

E-passes will be mandatory for inter-state and inter-district movement in private vehicles but for movement within the district, no e-passes will be required