Centre backs Delhi Police, says no need of CBI probe in Jamaat case

In an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, the Centre has backed Delhi Police’s probe in the Tablighi Jamaat case. The Centre has shown disinclination for a CBI probe, stating that an investigation by Delhi Police’s Crime Branch will be completed in a time-bound manner.

Reiterating that there was neither any negligence nor delay on part of Delhi Police, the affidavit stated said there was no need for another probe. “Markaz authorities were apprised of the situation on March 21 itself and told to send foreign and domestic participants back to their respective places, but no one paid heed,” it said.

The affidavit blames Tablighi Jamaat chief Maulana Saad and other Markaz leaders for flouting social distancing norms at a time when Covid outbreak had already started affecting the country. Hearing on PIL in the top court in the case was adjourned for two weeks as the petitioner had sought time to reply. The petitioner has sought inquiry into the lapses by the Delhi government and Delhi Police in allowing such a large congregation at a time when Covid cases were steadily rising. Jammu-based petitioner Supriya Pandita had alleged “inaction” on part of the Centre and the Delhi government, claiming that the AAP government had failed to explain why a large number of people were allowed to assemble at Anand Vihar Bus Terminal and Markaz in Nizamuddin, putting other citizens to the risk of contracting the deadly coronavirus