On the wake of the rising cases of COVID-19 in the state, police have stepped up the vigil to ensure that lockdown norms and social distancing in being followed rigorously. On Monday, a 25-year-old man was arrested for celebrating his birthday by violating social distancing and lockdown norms. According to police, the accused, Haris Khan had called over 30 people to the terrace of his building on Saturday midnight and was seen cutting 25 cakes with a sword. The video of the celebration was then shared by social activist Mohsin Shaikh with the Mumbai police commissioner. “I got this video from one of my friends, after which I alerted the commissioner of police, Mumbai, and also tweeted about it,” said Shaikh.
Khan and guests who attended the celebrations are booked under sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 34 (common intention) of Indian Penal Code and section 4 (licence for acquisition and possession of arms of specified description in certain cases) and 25 (punishment for possession of arms) of Arms Act and section 37(1) (power to prohibit certain acts for prevention of disorder), 135 (penalty for contravention of rules) of the Maharashtra Police Act. According to Mumbai Mirror, the accused is a history-sheeter and has a few cases registered against him.