Organisers of Nizamuddin markaz booked for violating govt restrictions on gatherings

Maulana Saad and others members of the Tablighi Jamaat have been booked under the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897 and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for violation of government directions given to the management of Markaz (centre) in Basti Nizamuddin regarding restrictions on social, political and religious gathering and for taking safety measures, including social distancing for prevention and treatment of Covid-19 infection.

The Delhi Police Commissioner said that the FIR was filed by Delhi Police Crime Branch under Section 3 (penalty for offence) of the Epidemic Disease Act 1897 and Sections 269 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease), 270 (malignant act likely to spread infection of disease), 271 (disobedience to quarantine rule) and 120b (punishment of criminal conspiracy) of the



IPC.

The markaz (centre) in the south Delhi neighbourhood organised a Tabligh-e-Jamaat from March 1-15 and at least 2,000 people, including foreigners and Indians from across the country, attended the gathering. On Sunday night, many residents of the centre started showing symptoms of Covid-19 and police and paramilitary officials locked down the area but authorities fear a possible spread of the virus.

In Delhi, at least 24 people who participated in the event have tested positive for Covid-19.

On Monday night, the Telangana government confirmed that six people who had attended the congregation in Delhi died of coronavirus in the state.

States across the country are now a hunt to trace all members of the Jamaat as well as those they came in contact with.