Nizamuddin Markaz chief Maulana Saad issues statement: 'Not underground, framing response'

Issuing first statement on Thursday on behalf of Nizamuddin Markaz Tablighi Jamaat's chief Maulana Saad, his lawyer said that he has t gone underground and urged attendees to help administration. Tablighi Jamaat had in mid-March organised Markaz event in Delhi's Nizamuddin mosque and hosted around 2000 people amid Coronavirus outbreak.  Nizamuddin West area emerged as a hotspot of COVID 19 spread, days 24 people who attended congregation tested positive, leading to a nationwide tracing of attendees.

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Maulana Saad's statement

In a video statement, Saad's lawyer Musharraf Ali said that people need to fight epidemic without creating religious divisions. He added that everyone is required follow guidelines issued by government, adding that y should neir go to masjid (mosque) r mandir (temple).

Quashing conspiracy allegations against Tablighi Jamaat, he said: "se are t correct news about Tablighi Jamaat. We told truth to people. Whatever were our drawbacks is a different topic, but country kws how Tablighi Jammat functions. I request wherever you are - people related to Jammat, if you are in any mosque across India, go and report, help administration. Police are trying to trace you, you are t required to misbehave with m. It is our duty to inform m, write it and hand it over to Police to Doctor. Don't be afraid. This disease is a threat to you and your family."

Regarding Markaz event that has increased spread of vel virus, Maulana Saad's lawyer said that tice has been issued on April 1 to Maulana Saad and FIR has been filed. He said that Maulana Saad will give a response as soon as possible.

"This is a different topic if violations and safety measure were taken or t. Tablighi Jamaat people are t required to reply to it. Saad Sahab is t untraceable. He has received tice so how can you say he is missing? he is preparing an answer, he will reply as soon as possible."

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Search for Saad

Earlier on Thursday, Delhi Police sources said that Maulana Saad Police tice was sent to him on March 28 after which he fled. Police also added that he has been communicated to him to undergo a medical examination as he is a suspect for Coronavirus, as are all attendees of meeting. cases in India witnessed a sharp rise after Markaz attendees were traced and tested in different parts of country. 

Markaz chief Saad 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.

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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.

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. 

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