New Delhi, Apr 9: The Delhi Police has traced Tablighi Jamaat leader Maulana Saad Kandhalvi, who has been on the run after an FIR was registered against him for organising a religious gathering last month despite restrictions to combat the coronavirus, sources said on Wednesday.
The cleric has been traced to Zakir Nagar in southeast Delhi, sources said.
His lawyer Tauseef Khan, however, said Saad is under self-quarantine and will join investigation after his quarantine period is over.
On March 31, Delhi Police's Crime Branch lodged an FIR against seven people, including the cleric, on a complaint by Station House Officer Nizamuddin for holding the congregation here allegedly in violation of the orders against large gathering and not maintaining social distancing to contain the spread of coronavirus.
A day later, the Delhi Police's Crime Branch wrote to Saad and others, seeking the details under Section 91 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. A second notice was also issued to him this week.
"Saad is currently under self-quarantine and will join investigation once the period of 14 days gets over," his advocate, Tauseef Khan, told PTI.
Saad's quarantine is expected to end next week.
His lawyer said a reply to the second notice will be given soon.
In an audio message last week, Saad said he was exercising self-quarantine after several hundreds who visited the Tablighi Jamaat's Nizamudddin markaz tested positive for coronavirus.
Visited by thousands last month, the Nizamudddin centre also turned out to be a hotspot for spread of coronavirus not only in national capital and country.
According to the FIR, the Delhi Police contacted the centre on March 21 and reminded them of the government order that prohibited any political or religious gathering of more than 50 people.
However, no one paid any heed to the police's direction, it said. Moreover, an audio recording purportedly of Saad was found in circulation on WhatsApp on March 21, in which he was heard asking his followers to defy the lockdown and social distancing and to attend the religious gathering of the Markaz.
On March 24, the government ordered 21-day nationwide lockdown and restricted any social, political or religious gathering.
The same day a meeting was held at Hazarat Nizamuddin police station between SHO and officer bearers of the centre.
The meeting was attended by Saad, Mohammad Ashraf, Mohammad Salman, Yunus, Mursaleen Saifi, Jishan and Mufti Shehzad and they were informed about lockdown orders.
So far, several hundred cases of COVID-19 cases across the country have been found to be linked to the Tablighi Jamaat congregation held in Delhi last month.
More than 25,500 Tablighi members and their contacts have been quarantined in the country after the Centre and the state governments conducted a "mega operation" to identify them.
At least 9,000 people participated in the religious congregation in Nizamuddin. Later, many of the attendees travelled to various parts of the country.
Comments
PUTTIDINA JOKULEG YER NINNA AMME TUPENA
Let us start with Ur Master.
This KKB again started to B--k
Why people cast their valuable vote in favor to this uncultured mannerless creatures. Most of the elected mp's are with same attitude and mind set. For our unite India all should kick them out from country like India.
KKB - KUTTE KA BACCHA.
during partition muslims in India was 36% and part of them migrated , so now decreased to 15%.. hindus in pakistan migrated to India , still migrating , hindu population might have decreased there also....even then minority hindus enjoying reservation in politics , education . etc
Here is one more....these BJP leaders are out of mind. Someone is saying change the religion (Ghar wapsi) and someone is asking to go to pakistan someone wants hindus to show their mardangi. Rubbish ppl with fools followers
good news for modi and baba ramdev......
U start the lead, let followers take your step
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There was a time when the enemies of mankind spread the LIES of accessive Population is harmful to earth and they spread the fear & introduced \hum do hamare do\". --- We see the results that most of those who never read about \"the revelation of God who gave the life\" have been trapped in this depopulation situation and NOW they are forcing their community to make children... without any financial aid.
ALLAH the creator of all that exists speaks about the life and death of every thing that he created..
one ayat of quran below: (17:31)
Do not kill your children for FEAR of POVERTY. We will provide for them and for YOU. Surely killing them is a great sin...
Those who trusted God never fall trap to such fear....
At that time and even now Many abortion took place to live a worldly enjoyment but in their old age people desired that they had many childrens... which they regret of not having 3 or more children..
Dont forget, India and China with most population are the most fast growing economy today.. Nothing to feel ashamed... only the ruling few will put fear on the people to control their evil agenda.."
have beef consumption .....for population increment
Raj Takre did not oppose our players to play against Pakistan hokey match in KL....HYPOCRISY....
India's population is 1.5 Billion......can India afford another 1.5 billion....to build Ram Temple....these are politicians gimmick to cheat poor innocent voters....very sad....
First eat madam posts and cashews....ha haa.....and ask for strong guns....
Giri babu
How many children U have or How much children U planned? Let the Cheddi members know that ...
It is hard to follow cos most of our leaders are just barking and no action..
our PM needs to reconcile with his partner
Cheddi Bachelors club - needs to search for partners even in old age to reach this target...
We need some leaders with action not blah blah...
If 76% Population is of Hindus, 24% Muslims!!! which is = 100%, then what about christian, Jain, Sikhs, Buddhists & Atheist?????
Mathematical Error Mr. Giriraj Singh.. You don't know simple maths and you are the Union Minister for the State.!!!! STRANGE....
Dikhao yaar. Mardaangi hai to.
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