BIG: MHA blacklists 960 foreigners involved in Tablighi activities on a tourist visa

In a massive development on Thursday, Ministry of Home Affairs blacklisted 960 foreigners who were involved in Tablighi Jamaat activities despite being on a tourist visa. Moreover, ir Indian visa has been cancelled. MHA directed  Delhi Police and DGPs of all concerned states to take legal action against se foreigners for violating provisions of Foreigners Act, 1946 and  Disaster Manment Act, 2005. 

Read: Centre Contacts Foreign Envoys To Seek Info About Markaz Attendees; Action Likely: Sources

Read: 'Permission For Rapid Testing Granted; 1300 Markaz Attendees Traced': Maha Health Minister

Markaz Nizamuddin controversy

 controversy erupted when 24 people who had attended religious congregation at Markaz Nizamuddin in Mid-March tested positive for COVID-19. Thousands of people who participated in event travelled to various states in India, risking spread of vel coronavirus. According to Ministry of Home Affairs, 1746 individuals including 216 foreigners were staying in Markaz building as of March 21. 

As per Delhi government, religious congregation violated prevailing orders, which prohibited large garings. However, Markaz claimed that it had t flouted rules and discontinued religious function after anuncement of nationwide lockdown. Instead, it alleged that many of attendees were stuck due to unavailability of transport services.

On Tuesday, Delhi Police registered a case against Maulana Saad and or officials of Tablighi Jamaat for violating restriction pertaining to a religious garing. Sections under Epidemic Disease Act,1897 and Section 269, 270, 271 and 120-B of Indian Penal Code have been invoked. In FIR, it has been stated that congregation failed to take safety measures for prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Addressing media on Thursday, Lav Aggarwal- Joint Secretary in Union Health Ministry revealed that at least 400 out of 1965 cases are linked with Markaz Nizamuddin cluster. 

Read: 22 Foreign Markaz Attendees Yet To Be Traced; Ban On Ram Navami Celebrations: Bihar DGP

Read: Nizamuddin Markaz Chief Maulana Saad Issues Statement: 't Underground, Framing Response'