Delhi Police seize passports of over 700 Corona super-spreader Tablighi Jamaatis for visa violation and hiding travel history

The crime branch of the Delhi Police have tightened the screws on the Tablighi Jamaatis who participated in the Nizamuddin Markaz which turned out to be a super-spreader event for the spread of Coronavirus in the country. Visas of more than 700 Jamaatis have been confiscated along with other documents. Delhi Police have also registered criminal cases against them under various sections of the IPC. Maulana Mohammad Saad, the head of Tablighi Jamaat and several of his associates have been made accused in the cases.

The crime branch is also investigating as to how did the foreign Tablighis get the Visas and on what basis were they granted the same. Delhi Police is also investigating the travel history of the Tablighis. It can be recalled that the Nizamuddin Markaz which was attended by thousands of Tablighis from India and abroad was the epicentre of the spread of Coronavirus in the country.

Many of those who attended the infamous Markhaz had traveled to other parts of the country and had spread the virus. While many hid themselves in Mosques and houses, some were defiant and did not adhere to govt norms during quarantine. Many foreign Tablighis were found hiding in Mosques in Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Delhi, Mumbai and other cities.

Delhi Police has said that the statements of these Jamaatis are being recorded in order to ascertain as to who instigated these Jamaatis to violate the law. The police are also investigating whether these people were really unaware that the Government of India had banned gatherings of more than five people at one place much before the Markaz took place.

Maulana Mohammad Saad, the head of Tablighi Jamaat is yet to be arrested and questioned as he is on a anticipatory bail. Delhi Police have given several notices to Maulana Saad, but has not yet appeard before the investigation team. The Delhi Police also wants Maulana Saad to undergo a corona test in a government hospital, but so far he has not consented to the request. The Enforcement Directorate has also filed a case under the Money Laundering Act in this case, over which several Tablighis and the Markhaz organisers are being questioned.