The police force in Chandigarh, northern India, are using five-foot-long tongs to catch violators of the nation's coronavirus lockdown.

Amrao Singh from Chandigarh Police is seen demonstrating the tong-like instrument which is designed to kept a social distance between the officer and the lockdown violator.

Singh said: "The device is under trial now and will be sent to the fields once clearance is obtained from the government. It took five to six days for the Chandigarh Police to develop this device. If successful the Chandigarh police will develop more such devices to help the police forces."

Chandigarh has been declared as a containment zone as it is a hot spot for COVID-19 and a curfew has already been imposed in the city. Chandigarh reported six more coronavirus cases on Sunday, taking the city’s tally to 36.

Chandigarh Police has found a unique way to catch coronavirus lockdown violators and maintain social distance at the same time. The cops have developed an instrument that comprises a five-feet-long metal rod fitted with a tong-like structure at one end that attaches around the waist of the violators so that they can be led to the police vehicle, without coming in contact with them. The other end of the device can be strapped onto the arms of the cop who then operates it with a sliding stick. The trap opens up to grip the violators from the waist and then closes in to prevent them from escaping.

Amrao Singh from Chandigarh police said "the device is under trials now and will be sent to the fields once clearance is obtained from the government. It took five to six days for the Chandigarh Police to develop this device. If successful the Chandigarh police will develop more such devices to help the Police forces.

Chandigarh is declared as a containment zone as it is a hot spot of COVID-19 and a curfew has already been imposed in the city. Chandigarh reported six more coronavirus cases on Sunday, taking the city’s tally to 36.