Authorities in India had imposed a nationwide lockdown with residents only permitted to leave their homes only for essential services such as buying groceries and medicine.
On Sunday, April 12, the ten travellers from Israel, Mexico, Australia, and Austria were caught taking a walk in Rishikesh, an ancient city where The Beatles sought spirituality in 1968.
Local police officer, Vinod Sharma said they were each made to write "I did not follow the rules of lockdown so I am so sorry" 500 times.
More than 700 foreign tourists from the US, Australia, Mexico and Israel staying in the area had flouted the lockdown rules, Sharma said, adding the unusual punishment was handed out to teach them a lesson.
Police said they would direct hotels in the area to allow foreign guests to step out only if accompanied by local helpers.
Establishments that did not follow the order could face legal action, Sharma said.
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