Centre rules out CBI probe in Tablighi Jamaat congregation case, affidavit filed in SC

On Friday, June 5, Centre informed  Supreme Court that re was need for a CBI investigation into Tablighi Jamaat congregation held at Markaz Nizamuddin in national capital. apex court was hearing a petition filed by Supriya Pandita seeking a CBI probe into alleged lapses by AAP government and Delhi Police which led to congregation. Union government in its affidavit maintained that probe was being conducted on a day to day basis in accordance with law and all efforts were being me to submit a report in a time-bound manner. 

Earlier on Thursday, Ministry of Home Affairs blacklisted 2550 foreign Tablighi Jamaat members who were staying in India during lockdown period and violated visa rules. y have been barred from entering India for 10 years. Delhi Police has alrey filed at least 35 chargesheets against foreign Markaz attendees for violating MHA guidelines, Foreigners Act, and tourist visa rules. As per sources, CBI has initiated a preliminary enquiry to probe allegations of funds being misappropriated by a trust linked to Tablighi Jamaat. 

Re: Home Ministry Blacklists Markaz Foreign Attendees For Ten Years: Sources

Markaz controversy

 controversy erupted when 24 people who h attended religious congregation at Markaz Nizamuddin tested positive for COVID-19. Thousands of people who participated in event travelled to various states in India, risking spre 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 h t flouted rules and discontinued religious function after anuncement of nationwide lockdown. Inste, it alleged that many of attendees were stuck due to unavailability of transport services.

On March 31, Delhi Police registered a case against Maulana Sa and or officials of Tablighi Jamaat under sections od  Epidemic Disease Act,1897 and Section 269, 270, 271, and 120-B of Indian Penal Code. In FIR, it has been stated that congregation failed to take safety measures for prevention and treatment of COVID-19. As of April 3, 30% of total COVID-19 cases in India were linked to Tablighi Jamaat religious congregation. 

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