Organisers of function booked for violating Covid guidelines

Tribune News Service

Patiala, April 27

The police have booked the organisers of an inaugural function, which was attended by around 300 people, including the Patiala Mayor, for the violation of Covid norms.

Charges pressed by police

The police have booked Dr Saurabh Jain, owner of Vardhman Hospital; Manoj Goel, owner of Goel Tent House; and Rana, owner of Rana Caterers. They have been booked under Sections 188, 269, 270 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 5 of the Disaster Management Act. Besides, the Epidemic Diseases Act has also been slapped on the accused.

The event was held on Sunday on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti to start a community kitchen offering food at Rs10.

The police have booked Dr Saurabh Jain, owner of Vardhman Hospital; Manoj Goel, owner of Goel Tent House; and Rana, owner of Rana Caterers. They have been booked under Sections 188, 269, 270 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 5 of the Disaster Management Act. Besides, the Epidemic Diseases Act has also been slapped on the accused.

The police, in the FIR, have said Saurabh Jain had organised an inaugural function of a community kitchen on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. The function was attended by around 200-300 people which was a violation of the government orders. Patiala Mayor Sanjeev Sharma had also attended the function. Meanwhile, Dr Saurabh Jain, while interacting with the media, said: “I was being targeted because of the political pressure. I am being stopped from doing social service.”

Meanwhile, Rauni Singh, SHO, said: “We have booked only the organisers. Once arrests are made, we will take further action. “

When asked about the Mayor, he said: “All public representatives should adhere to the Covid norms laid down by the government.” The SHO denied any political pressure.

Meanwhile, the Mayor said: “It was a religious event held on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. I paid tributes and came back immediately. When I attended the event, there were only a few people present there and all were following norms. Currently, there is no ban on religious events.”