Organiser & fighters at martial arts event flout COVID-19 rules, booked

Mixed martial arts event in Bhiwandi

The police have booked the organiser of a mixed martial arts event in Bhiwandi on the charge of violating COVID-19 protocols. The combat sport on Saturday was live-streamed on YouTube.

While charges have also been pressed against 40-50 others, including the participants, Bhiwandi Fight Club's Salman Momin who organised the programme said he had invited only 25-30 people but locals rushed to the spot after the matches went live on the internet.

According to Shanti Nagar police, the sparring competition at Yahya Compound, Kidwai Nagar, had over 100 people in attendance and it was inaugurated by local MLA Mahesh Choughule. Citing the footage of the matches, they said the crowd didn't follow social-distancing rules nor was anyone wearing a mask.

Also Read: Mumbai: Behave Now Or Face Curfew On New Year's Eve Warns BMC

"COVID19 protocol is in order and no mass gathering is allowed of any sort. As we learnt about the event, orders were immediately issued to book the organizers," said DCP (Zone 2) Yogesh Chavhan.

Momin now also faces charges under the IPC sections and the Epidemic Disease Act, 1807. He said his sole aim was to promote the combat sport and he only invited family members of the fighters and a few fitness enthusiasts. Everything went awry after the matches began, he said.

Also Read: COVID-19: Mumbai Sees Less Than 500 Cases, Maharashtra Less Than 3,000

"As streaming went online, about 100 locals barged into my gym. I didn't have any intention to break the law. I have explained everything to the police and I hope the officials will be considerate," he added.

Keep scrolling to read more news

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news