700 people attend wedding in Maharashtra, organizers booked
In spite of the coronavirus restrictions, around 700 people gathered to attend a marriage function at Kalyan in Maharashtra's Thane district, following which police has registered a case against its organizers, civic authorities said. The event was held on March 10, the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) said in a statement on Thursday. Here are more details.
Only 50 people are allowed to attend a wedding
"Following a tip-off that several people are attending a marriage function at Kalyan (East), civic officials visited the spot and found 700 people there," it said. According to state guidelines, only 50 persons are allowed to attend a wedding. As per the statement, civic authorities also found that the participants were not following COVID-19 safety protocols, like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.
Complaint has been lodged under various sections
A complaint was lodged with the police. The complaint registered an offense under IPC Sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 269, and 270 (negligent and malignant act likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life) and under the Disaster Management Act and the Epidemic Diseases Act.
Rs. 5,64,900 fine collected in 10 days for violating norms
The case was registered against Rajesh Mhatre and Mahesh Raut, the organizers of the event. The civic body also said in the statement that Rs. 5,64,900 fine has been collected in the last 10 days from 1,131 people for violation of coronavirus norms.
Centre has expressed concern over Maharashtra's COVID-19 situation
The Union Health Ministry on Thursday expressed concern over the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra. The Ministry advised district administrations in the state to step up vaccinations for eligible groups. Maharashtra is India's worst-hit state in terms of the absolute number of cases, the absolute number of deaths, the number of active infections, and the rate of rise in infections.
'Maharashtra spike due to large gatherings, lack of COVID-appropriate behavior'
Indian Council For Medical Research (ICMR) Director-General Dr. Balram Bhargava said the surge in Maharashtra is "definitely not" connected to mutant strains of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. "It is due to large gatherings and lack of COVID-appropriate behavior," he said.
