A team from the Arnala Police Station reached two gyms in Virar after a news report revealed that some gyms were running against the guidelines set by the government. The gyms named Elite Fitness Club and One Rep Max Fitness Club were found to be in violation of the guidelines while cases were registered against the owners. The orders were provided by the Commissioner of the Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar (MBVV) Commissionerate, Sadanand Date.
Separately, a team of police from Manikpur arrived at Cerejo 11 Fitness situated in Vasai and have subsequently booked a case against the owner of the establishment.
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“We have taken action against the gym owners under section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of IPC and have asked them to keep their centres shut until the government gives a nod to operate them,” Additional Superintendent of Police, Vijaykant Sagar was quoted as saying by Mid-Day.
The owner of the Vasai gym, Roman Cerejo said that he has been warned and booked by the police. He justified the opening of the gyms despite government regulations citing his staff’s financial situation.
“Some of my staff had started to work as labourers at building construction sites in Vasai and Virar because the gym was shut. Can you imagine how difficult it is to run a house when there is no income for six to seven months,” Cerejo said while adding that he’s paying ₹2.75 lakhs per month as rent towards the gym. “The restaurants and bars have opened up, then what is the problem in re-opening the gyms?” Cerejo asked.
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Meanwhile, the State Health Ministry is yet to come up with a precise timeline for the reopening of gyms in the state. “The gym owners need to wait as our internal discussions regarding re-opening gyms in Maharashtra are underway. Their association is in constant touch with us but the threat of the pandemic is high and we cannot afford to allow them to re-open the fitness centres. If any gym is found operational, action will be taken against them under the ambit of law,” Health Minister Rajesh Tope said.
It is said that other fitness centres continue to operate despite regulations against the same. Fingers have been pointed at gyms in Vasai-Virar, Mira Bhayandar, Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai. Upon hearing this, Shivraj Patil DCP (Zone 2), has said that action will be taken against violating gyms.
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