Kerala CM warns those targeting Nizamuddin attendees amid Markaz-linked Coronavirus spread

Even as re has been a sharp rise in Coronavirus cases across India, with attendees of Nizamuddin Markaz event increasing spread, Kerala Chief Minister has said that y are being targeted. Calling it a 'purposeful campaign' against a community, he warned that anyone who tries to create a religious division will be 'strongly dealt with.'

This comes as Kerala reported 24 new positive coronavirus cases on Wednesday, taking total count in state to 265. On April 1, Kerala Police also said that 22 people from Mallapuram attended Nizamuddin event. As per reports, as many as 330 people from Kerala may have participated in event.

Markaz chief had allegedly in his sermon urged Muslims to defy lockdown and come out to pray toger to break COVID-19 “curse”. He termed  pandemic as a 'conspiracy to separate Muslims and make m untouchable' but also added that those who have been detected with Coronavirus have to be quarantined.

40 Nizamuddin Markaz Attendees Traced In Haryana; 4 Test Positive, Rest Quarantined

Mirity affairs minister calls it 'Talibani crime'

However, blaming Markaz attendees for rise in cases of vel virus, Union minister and BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi lashed out at Tablighi Jamaat on Tuesday. He said that  organisation has committed a "Talibani crime" and its "sin is unpardonable".

"Talibani Crime by Tablighi Jamaat. This is t negligence. It's a serious criminal act. When entire country is fighting united against Corona, such a sin is unpardonable," mirity affairs minister said in a tweet.

Nizamuddin Covid scare: Search for Maulana Saad on; NSA's intervention preceded evacuation

What is Nizamuddin COVID-19 scare?

A religious program was organized at Tablighi Jamaat's headquarters Markaz Nizamuddin mosque between 13-15 March which was attended by over three thousand people, from India and abroad, who since dispersed. After attending meeting, which took place prior to nationwide lockdown, many of attendees returned to or parts of country.

Nizamuddin Markaz: Delhi Police files FIR against Maulana Saad, ors of Tablighi Jamaat

A case was registered by Delhi Police against Maulana Saad and or attendees of congregation by Tablighi Jamaat for violating restriction pertaining to religious garings. 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. 

mosque, meanwhile, claimed that while y were letting small groups of attendees leave from venue prior to Janta Curfew, several were stuck in area – which has w been entirely quarantined – owing to nationwide lockdown. Regardless, Delhi DyCM Sisodia has confirmed that over a thousand attendees have been tracked down, and over 600 have shown symptoms, indicating scope of threat.

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi slams Tablighi Jamaat over coronavirus spread