Maharashtra orders probe into rumours that fuelled migrant exodus at Bandra

Maharashtra’s home minister Anil Deshmukh late Tuesday night ordered a probe into rumours that fuelled a rush of migrant workers to the Bandra West railway station in Mumbai in the afternoon despite the lockdown.

Mumbai:Maharashtra's Home Minister Anil Deshmukh late Tuesday night ordered a probe to ascertain who spread the rumour that trains operations will resume from April 15, which fuelled a mass exodus of migrants at Bandra despite the lockdown.

"I have ordered an investigation into the rumour that claimed trains to take migrants back home. Those found guilty of sparking such rumours will be dealt severely invoking the fullest force of law. #ZeroToleranceForRumours" , Deshmukh tweeted.

Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the coronavirus lockdown till May 3, a large number of migrant workers who earn daily wages came out on road here on Tuesday demanding transport arrangements to go back to their native places.

As per sources, the workers were dispersed by the police amidst appeals by local leaders to not create a health crisis. Police eventually resorted to lathi charge to disperse the protesters who were posing a grave public health crisis in a state already stricken by a resurgent wave of COVID-19 cases, especially in slum areas.

A police official said the migrants were dispersed two hours later and have been assured accommodation and food till the lockdown lasts.

The huge gathering is a cause of worry for the state administration which is already dealing with several COVID-19 hotspots and a surge in positive cases in past few weeks.

With inputs from PTI