Delhi Restaurant Owner Hosting Party With 38 People Arrested

The cops had arrested four men in West Delhi’s Rajouri Garden for organising a birthday party at Qubitos restaurant with 38 people, flouting social distancing norms. The four people included the restaurant owner, Akshay Chhadha, the restaurant manager, Manoj Kapoor and the party organisers Mohammed Asif and Manaan Majid. The incident took place on 8th June 2020, the day the Capital had allowed the reopening of restaurants as part of phase-1 of the lockdown extended till 30th June.

Owner And Manager Of Delhi Restaurant Arrested For Organizing Birthday Party

Shopping malls, places of worship and restaurants had opened up in Delhi on 8th June. Also, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) had declared some standard operating procedures (SOPs) for these places. As per the SOPs, restaurants can now operate only with 50 percent of the total capacity. The dine-in capacity of Qubitos is for 48 people. Ideally, the restaurant should have allowed not more than 24 people, according to the guidelines. To ensure that the residents of the area are abiding by the safety protocols, the police were on patrolling duty near the restaurant in Vishal Enclave. Noticing some activities, they conducted a surprise check at the restaurant at around 9 P.M., finding that a party was going on with 38 people.

Also Read: No ‘Corona Fee’ Of 70% On Alcohol MRP In Delhi

What Else?

In the party, the restaurant was also serving hookahs to the guests. As per reports, this is considered as an offence under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act. The police arrested the owners and organizers under the following sections of the Indian Penal Code: 269 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act. The four men who were accused have been released on bail now. While some places are neglecting the precautions, some other eateries are taking up extra steps to ensure the safety of their customers. Take this restaurant in Bangalore for example, that introduced glass panels for social distancing.

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This incident clearly indicates that despite the easing down of lockdown restrictions, we still need to follow the safety rules to combat the spread of coronavirus. If we fail to stick to the necessary guidelines, the authorities might take up strict actions. On that note, read about how the Delhi government is ensuring that all incoming asymptomatic passengers in the city follow a mandatory seven-day quarantine.