Centre contacts foreign envoys to seek info about Markaz attendees; action likely: Sources

In a big development, government sources have told Republic TV on Wednesday that Centre has contacted envoys of different countries from where pilgrims travelled to India for participating in religious congregation at Markaz Nizamuddin in national capital. Adding that Union government had sought more details of se pilgrims, sources stated that action was likely to be taken because Indian laws had been violated. 

Furrmore, Indian envoys in or countries have apprised respective governments on visa violations committed by  religious congregation attendees as per sources. According to sources, Centre has set up a dedicated 75-member COVID-19 cell in Ministry of External Affairs and is engaging with state governments also. 

Read: 'Rise In Cases Due To Markaz Attendees Doesn't Represent National Trend': Health Ministry

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. This comprised nationals from countries such as Nepal, Malaysia, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Algeria, Djibouti, Kyrgyzstan, Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UK, Singapore, Fiji, France and Kuwait.

Read: Nizamuddin Markaz: Delhi Police Files FIR Against Maulana Saad, Ors Of Tablighi Jamaat

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. Sources reveal that Maulana Saad, chief of Markaz Nizamuddin is t traceable since March 28 when he received a police tice. Earlier in day, Health Ministry stated that re are 23 confirmed cases from J&K, 20 from Telangana, 17 from Andhra Pradesh, 9 from Andaman and Nicobar, 65 from Tamil Nadu,18 from Delhi and two from Puducherry due to transit-related history of Markaz attendees. 

Read: Amit Shah Talks To CMs Yogi Adityanath, Nitish Kumar On 'Markaz-like' Events In Bihar & UP

Read: COVID-19: Govt Seeks Deportation Of Foreign Markaz Attendees If Found Negative For COVID