Police Authorities raided the Andheri nightclub for keeping open beyond the permissible time limit and not following the notified Covid-19 norms.
The Mumbai Police arrested Cricketer Suresh Raina and singer Guru Randhawa from a club in Mumbai’s Andheri on early Tuesday morning for violating Covid-19 norms. They were later released on bail. Interior and fashion designer Sussanne Khan was also booked following the raid as stated by the police.
Senior inspector of Sahar Police Station S Mane stated that a raid was conducted around 2.30 am at the Dragonfly Club near Mumbai airport where it was found that the guests and those operating the club were not following lockdown measures, like wearing masks or observing social distancing and therefore they have arrested 34 persons that included seven staff members.
The officer also confirmed that they arrested Raina and Randhawa under Sections 188 (disobedience to order duty promulgated by public servant) and 269 (acts in a way that could spread an infection) among others. They were released immediately released on bail as the sections were bailable. Maine added that there were some women celebrities as well but were not arrested but were served with a notice and allowed to go.
After his arrest, Suresh Raina released a statement, saying he was not aware of the local timings and protocols. The statement made it clear that he was in Mumbai for a shoot which extended to late hours and was invited by a friend for a quick dinner post the same prior to him taking his flight back to Delhi and that he wasn’t aware of the local timings and protocols.
The statement added that once pointed out, he immediately complied with the procedures laid out by the legal authorities and that he always abides by the rules and laws laid down by governing bodies regard and will continue to do so in the future as well.
Keeping in view the new strain of the corona virus emerging in the United Kingdom, the Maharashtra government on Monday decided to impose a night curfew in all the municipal areas of the state starting Tuesday night. The authorities have stated that the curfew will be in place from 11 pm to 6 am and will remain in force till January 5.
All shops, except for essential services like medical stores, will have to shut down by 11 pm. Likewise, any non-essential travel will not be allowed after 11 pm. The police will be deployed by the state on the road to ensure compliance. More than five people will not be allowed to assemble outside during the specified hours.