In a bizarre incident from Mumbai, a 25-year old man, Haris Khan, was arrested from his home by Bandra Police after it was found that he violated lockdown norms to celebrate his birthday with around 30 guests. What’s even more surprising is that the birthday boy found it apt to cut 25 birthday cakes with a sword.
Assistant Police Inspector of Bandra Police said - “We have recovered the sword which was used for the cake cutting. We will also take appropriate actions against others who were present at the party.”
The video of the event was posted online, at which point, social activist Mohsin Shaikh informed the Commissioner of Police, Mumbai while also sharing it on Twitter. Bandra Police officials mentioned that in addition to not maintaining social distancing at the house-event, the guests didn’t even have masks on, raising serious alarms about the spread of the coronavirus.
Also read - 93,000 Cases Registered In Maharashtra For Lockdown Violations
Meanwhile, the 25-year-old was booked by the police under the Arms Act for using a sword. Khan and the guests at the event were booked by the police under the Indian Penal Code Sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), and 34 (common intention).
Additionally, he was booked under Sections 4 (licence for acquisition and possession of arms of specified description in certain cases) and 25 (punishment for possession of arms) of the Arms Act. Those involved in the birthday celebrations were also booked under Sections 37(1) (power to prohibit certain acts for prevention of disorder), and 135 (the penalty for contravention of rules) of the Maharashtra Police Act.
Despite the authorities pleas to stay at home and avoid large gatherings or crowds, particularly in Mumbai, some are found to be flouting rules by merely shifting the party back to their homes. Though enforcement is heavily dependent on social media (as in this case), citizens have a moral responsibility to ensure their safety and of everyone around them by reporting such incidents to the authorities.
Though this particular episode has come to light, several others have gone unreported, mostly due to lack of information and reporting. Given that COVID-19 spreads via close contact, unauthorized social gatherings undoubtedly account for a big chunk of the positive cases reported. Incidents of lockdown violations and parties amidst a pandemic have been reported from across the globe, and in most cases, it’s plain ignorance or a lack of understanding of basic health measures.
Also Read- Bandra Residents Worried Due To Thefts During The Lockdown
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