Tablighi chief Maulana Saad says 'co-operating with investigation', releases statement

Co-operating with Delhi police's investigation into lockdown violation due to Markaz event, Tablighi Jamaat chief Maulana Saad, on Friday, has issued a statement stating that he has already joined investigation, replying to both tices issued by police. He has also asked police to issue a copy of FIR detailing all sections offences have been registered under. He assured that he is 'always ready to co-operate with police investigation'.

Saad joins in police investigation

Tablighi Jamaat chief Maulana Saad booked for money laundering amid 'self-quarantine'

ED and IT book Saad for money laundering & tax evasion

On Thursday, Saad was booked by Enforcement Directorate for money laundering under PMLA due to a huge amount of money allegedly transferred ahead into it of Markaz event in Delhi, via Hawala transactions. Apart from ED, Income Tax has issued a tice to Saad for alleged tax evasion by trustees, channeling of funds for personal gains, according to sources. Sources have also reported that Saad is currently hiding in his bror-in-law's house in Delhi's Zakir Nagar, allegedly in self-quarantine.

Assam police nab 12 Markaz attendees hiding in different mosques; sent to quarantine

Maulana Saad in 'self-quarantine'

While 16 days have passed since police found Markaz attendees huddled in mosque, Saad claims he is still in 'self-quarantine'. Two of his relatives have tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19) in UP's Saharanpur. police have already booked Saad for culpable homicide and booked several attendees for visa violation.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Virus' growth rate declines to 1.2 in April; cases at 13835

What is Nizamuddin COVID-19 scare?

On March 30, sources reported that a religious programme was organised at Tablighi Jamaat's headquarters Markaz Nizamuddin mosque between 13-15 March which had over 3400 attendees from Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyzstan and from several states in India. After attending meeting, prior to nationwide lockdown, 1500 of se attendees returned to several parts of country, possibly spreading COVID-19 virus. mosque has claimed that while y were letting small groups of attendees leave from venue prior to Janta Curfew, several were stuck in area owing to nationwide lockdown. All 2631 occupants have been evacuated and building has been sanitised. Delhi Crime Branch which has booked Markaz chief Maulana Saad for violating lockdown is currently searching for him by raiding possible hideouts. 

Assam discharges first 2 COVID-19 patients, hopes to close all Markaz cases by April 20

Coronavirus and Markaz

Health Ministry has revealed that over 30% of total COVID-19 cases in India were related to Markaz. Several states like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Assam, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh have cases majorly due to attendees of event and people y came in contact with. Most of above-mentioned states have traced attendees, but those attendees in hiding have been warned of legal action if y don't surrender. India's current COVID-19 tally is at 13,835 cases at 452 deaths.