Three members of a family, including a minor, have been booked for forging a negative COVID-19 report in order to travel to Jaipur. Allegedly, they had been tested positive for the coronavirus infection.
According to reports, the accused identified as Lakhmichand Thavani, 53, is a 15th Khar Road resident. Thavani along with his wife, Leena, 51 and their 15-year-old daughter wanted to travel to Jaipur on February 27.
However, as per the government rules, they could travel only if they tested negative for COVID-19. Hence, the family underwent testing through a private lab on February 26. Their report came positive on the morning of February 27.
The family wanted to catch a 9 am flight to Jaipur, so they didn’t disclose the findings of the report to anyone and left for the airport. But as the private lab had already intimated the concerned BMC officials, a civic doctor called Thavani for assistance.
However, Thavani told the doctor that his family has already left for the airport as they all tested negative for COVID-19. When the doctor asked him to send the report, Thavani allegedly sent him a forged report that showed all three family members negative for coronavirus, said a police officer.
The BMC doctor informed him that they already received an original report from the private lab and warned the family about travelling. Soon, the family returned home and was directed to remain in-home quarantine.
Later, the BMC officials conducted an inquiry and approached the Khar police station on Tuesday, March 9. On their complaint, the police lodged an FIR under sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), 465 (forgery) and 471 (using as genuine a forged document) of the Indian Penal Code.
The family would be arrested after their quarantine period is over and they test negative for Coronavirus, said a senior inspector of Khar police station.
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