On April 5, all of India united at 9 pm to switch off lights and burn candles or diyas to overcome the darkness and show that we’re not alone in this fight against coronavirus. However, some people gathered on the streets and led a protest which was against lockdown rules.
According to NDTV, around 200 people congregated outside Maharashtra MLA (Wardha district) Dadarao Keche’s residence yesterday allegedly to receive free dry ration which was being distributed to mark his birthday.
WATCH | Amid lockdown, 200 people gather at residence of BJP MLA Dadarao Keche in Maharashtra on his birthday pic.twitter.com/7bHK70n829
— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) April 5, 2020
Wardha Collector Vivek Bhimanwar was quoted saying,
“We had not given him any permission for the programme nor had he sought one from us. He had expressed a desire for a blood donation camp which we had refused permission for. As soon as the police got information about the crowd at his residence, they swung into action and dispersed it. The SDO has directed the police to conduct an inquiry.”
Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Harish Dharmik has confirmed that action will be taken against him under the Epidemic Diseases Act and Wardha Superintendent of Police Basavraj Teli has confirmed that an FIR has been registered. The Indian Express quoted the MLA saying,
“I had invited only 21 labourers, who have lost their livelihood due to coronavirus, and distributed food grains to them. After that, I left to visit my guru Bhikaram Baba at Ashta around 11 am. But my political adversaries took advantage of the situation to spread the word that I am distributing food grains leading to several people thronging my residence. When I got the information I rushed back and dispersed the crowd with the help of the police.”
I'd appealed to people 4 days back that no one should visit me on my birthday. Still some party workers visited me. My rivals conspired&told people that ration is being distributed at my residence, even when I didn't call anyone here. This was shot to defame me: Dadarao Keche,BJP pic.twitter.com/ACjf97RFpc
— ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2020
He added,
“I understand that we all must strictly adhere to social distancing norm to fight the coronavirus as desired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But my opponents have seized this opportunity to tarnish my image.”
We hope that the police inquiry uncovers what happened and punishment is meted out to those responsible for the violation.