MHA asks states to trace Rohingya refugees who attended Tablighi event, screen for COVID-19

Ministry of Home Affairs in a latter, has directed all states to screen the Rohingya Muslims who attended the Tablighi Jamaat activities as well as their contacts on a priority basis.

New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked all states to trace and screen the Rohingya Muslims who attended the Tablighi Jamaat activities as well as their contacts on priority basis.

Letter issued by the the internal security division of Ministry of home affairs to all all state chief secretaries, Director Generals of Police and Delhi Police Commissioner, accessed by ETV Bharat, stated, "It has been reported that Rohingya Muslims have attended Ijtemas and other religious congregations of Tablighi Jamaat and there is a possibility of their contracting COVID-19."

"Rohingyas residing in camps in Hyderabad, Telangana had attended Tablighi Jamaat ijtema at Mewat, Haryana and had visited Nizamuddin Markaz at New Delhi. Similarly, Rohingyas living in Shram Vihar, Shaheen Bagh, Delhi who had gone for TJ activities, have not returned to their camps. Also, presence of Rohingya Muslims after attending Tablighi Jamaat work has also presently been reported from Derabassi, Punjab and Jammu area of UT of Jammu & Kashmir," the letter further added.

In its April 15 letter, MHA asked the states that contacts of Rohingya Muslims needs to be screened for COVID-19 and necessary measures may be taken in this regard on priority.

There are around 40,000 Rohingyas in India, while only 17,500 have registered as refugees with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Meanwhile, Tablighi Jamaat chief Maulana Saad, who has been booked by the Crime Branch of Delhi Police, has asked the police for the copy of an FIR besides saying that he is willing to cooperate in the investigation.

Letter sent to Satish Kumar (10) Inspector SOS-1 Crime Branch, accessed by ETV Bharat, stated, "I have already joined investigation by replying two notices U/s 91 Cr.P.C dated 01.04.2020 & 02.04.2020 both issued by your good office.Kindly supply me the Copy of FIR No. 63/2020 registered at PS Crime Branch, Rohini, New Delhi and also inform if any new section has been added in the said FIR. It is reiterated that I am always ready & willing to cooperate with the investigation being conducted by you."

The ED is soon expected to issue summon to Maulana Saad, who is still in self quarantine, for questioning in the case.