Eight men in India were arrested today in Kalyan, a city on the outskirts of Mumbai, for playing cricket in public during the nationwide ‘Janta (public) curfew,’ according to a report in the Deccan Herald.

On Thursday, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi introduced social distancing measures as his country attempts to minimise the spread of the novel coronavirus Covid-19. During his speech announcing the new directives, Modi said: “Under this Janata (public) curfew, no one should leave their home or gather in their neighbourhoods. Only those related to essential services should go out.”

At the time of writing India has 359 confirmed cases of coronavirus. Seven people have passed away having contracted the illness.

Commenting on the arrest of the eight men, a local police official said: “Action was taken against them for defying the prohibitory orders issued by the Thane Police Commissionerate. They also went against the ‘Janta curfew’ being observed to curb the spread of coronavirus.”

A boy was also temporarily detained by police in connection with the incident.