FSL scientists and Delhi Police Crime Branch officials visit Markaz for investigation

On Sunday, a team of Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) scientists and Delhi Police Crime Branch officials visited Markaz Nizamuddin, international headquarters of Tablighi Jamaat. purpose was to investigate Jamaat's alleged violation of restrictions when it hosted a religious congregation attended by thousands of people in mid-March. On March 31, Delhi Police registered a case against Maulana Saad 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. Responding to police's questionnaire, Maulana Saad stated that he couldn't answer questions as he is under quarantine and documents are locked in Markaz building. 

Read: BIG: MHA Blacklists 960 Foreigners Involved In Tablighi Activities On A Tourist Visa

Read: Hardik Patel Breaks Silence Amid Markaz Coronavirus Scare; Calls India's Healthcare 'weak'

Markaz controversy

 controversy erupted when 24 people who had 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 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 March 2, 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. Meanwhile, Health Ministry on Saturday revealed that 30% of total COVID-19 cases in India were linked to Tablighi Jamaat religious congregation. Ministry added that it would have taken 7.4 days for number of cases to double instead of current 4.1 days if  Jamaat function had t taken place. 

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Read: Raj Thackeray's First Response To Nizamuddin Markaz Event, Says y Shouldn't Be Treated