UP: Covid-19 norms flouted as hundreds turn up for Islamic leader’s funeral

Image Courtesy:newsroompost.com

With soaring cases of Covid-19 infections and fatalities, Uttar Pradesh’s Badaun saw an assembly of over 100 people to join the funeral procession of Islamic cleric named Qazi Hazrat Abdul Hameed Mohammed Salimul Qadri.

Due to surging cases, the Uttar Pradesh government decided on May 9, to extend the duration of the curfew in the state till May 17. Despite strict rules in place, several people reportedly gathered, openly flouting social distancing norms.

Despite Covid threat, thousands of people gathered during the funeral of Zila Qazi in UP’s Budaun district. Most of the people were not wearing masks. @Uppolice have registered an FIR on Monday. @Benarasiyaa pic.twitter.com/sC4fanQp19
— Kanwardeep singh (@KanwardeepsTOI) May 10, 2021

As per media reports, Hameed Mohammad Salimul Qadri had passed away in the afternoon of May 8. According to The Newsroom Post, the Uttar Pradesh Police have booked unidentified people under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and The Epidemic Act. Superintendent of Police, Sankalp Sharma, told the publication, “An FIR has been registered against unidentified people for breaking Covid protocol and gathering in large numbers in the procession. FIR was lodged under Indian Penal Code 188 (violating prohibitory orders), Epidemic act and other relevant sections of IPC.”

In more disconcerting news from the state, dozens of unidentified and some partially burnt bodies were found to be floating in the Yamuna river in Hamirpur district. As per government officials and locals, many families now prefer immersing bodies in the river as the last rites, instead of cremating them, amid fear of rising Covid-19 cases.

(More updates awaited)