Ever since the pandemic struck earlier this year, social distancing has become the need of the hour. However, our social media continues to be flooded with people attending weddings, going to restaurants, partying and pretending like coronavirus doesn’t exist. To curb the spread of the virus, especially in light of the new ‘mutant’ coronavirus, the Maharashtra government had recently declared a night curfew in Mumbai and surrounding areas.
On Monday, around 2:30 am, Mumbai Police raided Dragonfly club located in Andheri East. In this raid, several Bollywood celebrities including Guru Randhawa, Sussanne Khan and cricketer Suresh Raina were detained by police officials. According to media reports, all the people present in the club were not following COVID-19 norms like social distancing and wearing facemasks. Moreover, the club was open beyond the permitted time limit.
The Dragonfly is co-owned by Rapper Badshah who was also reportedly present there at the time of the raid. Media reports claim that the rapper managed to escape via the back door.
An FIR has been filed by the Mumbai Police against a total of 34 people including Suresh Raina, Sussanne Khan and Guru Randhawa for flouting COVID-19 norms. They have been booked under section 188, 269 and 34 of Indian Penal Code and under section 51 of the National Disaster Management Act. The reports further add that all people have been released on a notice issued by the Police under section 41(a)(1) of the CrPC.
The Maharashtra government had earlier declared a night curfew in municipal corporation areas including Mumbai. This move came after several instances of COVID norms violations were noted by the authorities. According to the authorities, there are chances that Christmas and New Years celebrations and event will lead to a spike in COVID-19 cases across the state. Keeping this in mind, a night curfew has been enforced from 11 pm to 6 am from December 22 to January 5 ahead of the celebrations in order to prevent the cases from rising.
This also comes as a precautionary step amid the reports of a new strain of coronavirus which has started spreading quickly across Britain. In order to prevent the strain from spreading in Mumbai, restrictions have been implemented. Arrangements have been made by the civic authorities to quarantine all passengers arriving in Mumbai from the UK and some other countries as well.
While the end of the pandemic might be in sight thanks to the vaccines, remember that COVID-19 is still very much around and thriving. So please stay home, and practice safety measures and social distancing if you must step out.
Feature Image: Instagram
