Muhammad Saad Kandhalvi, the chief of the Tablighi Jamaat Markaz has told investigators that he cannot provide the details about himself or his organisation as the country is in lockdown, sources said. The Crime Branch of Delhi Police had earlier asked Saad to furnish detailed answers to 26 specific questions but in its reply, Maulana Saad has maintained that as he is in self-isolation and since the country is in lockdown, he has no access to the required details.
BJP MP Swapan Dasgupta questions missing Covid-19 data on WB govt portal
The Crime Branch is not satisfied with the Muhammad Saad Kandhalvi’s response, and a second notice may be issued to him under section 91 of CrPC asking him for the detailed reply. The probe has revealed that the Markaz event was planned months in advance and details of the same are with Saad and four of his close aides. Sources tell India Today Saad’s claim that he is in self-quarantine has been accepted but he can access electronic devices, laptop and mobile phones are not true.
A team of crime branch and forensic personnel visited the Markaz in Delhi’s Nizamuddin but found no electronic device with data relevant to the investigation.
An FIR has been lodged against Maulana Saad and five others for violating the lockdown, a move which resulted in thousands of those who attended the gathering testing positive and over 22,000 being forced into self-quarantine.
Maulana Saad had reportedly told the gathering that there is no need for social distancing or following the advice of doctors.
The investigative agencies have also started their probe in the funding of Markaz. The Delhi Police in its notice to Maulana Saad has also asked specific questions pertaining to the finances of organisation.
Leave a Reply