Due to Coronavirus pandemic, a nationwide lockdown was announced by Indian PM Narendra Modi on March 24 for 21 days, which was further extended till May 3 with a new announcement made on April 14.

While it has been informed that people should not crowd and maintain social distancing, cops have been working round the clock to stop people roaming in bikes and cars, and are making paint marks on vehicles violating lockdown as a warning.

With 2,11,467 vehicles seized so far, section 144 has been implemented in Suryanelli in Idukki. When a 24 year old youngster named Vijayakumar came in his bike violating the rules, police seized his bike and frustrated by this, Vijayakumar set himself on fire and passed away after being admitted in Kottayam government hospital.