Raina, Randhawa booked after 2:30 am Mumbai pub raid over COVID-19 norms

Mumbai: Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, singer Guru Randhawa were arrested in Mumbai for not following covid protocols after a raid at a Mumbai club. They were later released on bail.

An officer said that celebrity Sussanne Khan, interior and fashion designer, too was booked but was left after issuing her a notice to join the police probe.

Senior inspector of Sahar police station S Mane said, “A raid was conducted around 2.30 am at the Dragonfly club near Mumbai airport. We found that the guests and those operating the club were not following measures like wearing masks or observing social distancing. Following this, we arrested 34 persons that included seven staff members.”

The officer confirmed that they arrested Raina and Randhawa under sectoins 188 (disobedience to order duty promulgated by public servant), 269 ( acts in a way that could spread an infection) among others. Since the sections were bailable they were released immediately. “There were some women celebrities as well but we did not arrest them. They were served with a notice and allowed to go,” Mane added.

In the backdrop of a new strain of the coronavirus 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 curfew will be in place from 11 pm to 6 am and will remain in force till January 5.

All shops, barring essential services like medical stores, will have to shut down by 11 pm. All non-essential travel will not be allowed after 11 pm. The state will deploy police on the road to ensure compliance. More than five people cannot assemble outside during the specified hours.