Mumbai: AIMIM MP violates Section 144 with rally in Chandivli

MP Imtiaz Jaleel addresses the rally in Powai. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Musalmeen (AIMIM) violated the Mumbai police's ban on morchas and processions with a political rally in Chandivli, Powai, on Saturday evening.

Amid the rising cases of the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, the Mumbai police had imposed Section 144 of the CrPC for 48 hours in a bid to prevent large gatherings. Despite the ruling, a Tiranga morcha was led by MP Imtiaz Jaleel from Aurangabad to Mumbai. Jaleel led the rally with 100-odd cars.

The Mumbai police had set up a huge bandobast at Mankhurd and Mulund entry points to block the vehicles from arriving. The rally reached Mankhurd around 6 pm, and the police tried to dissuade Jaleel from entering. Eventually, only a few cars were allowed to enter the city.

Jaleel reached Chandivli at 7 pm, where he addressed a public rally with AIMIM supremo MP Asaduddin Owaisi. "There was no permission to hold a rally or march. Since the order has been defied, they will be booked under relevant sections," said a senior police officer. According to sources, the offence will be registered against the organisers of the rally.

Restrictions to continue

As per Section 144, organising any rally or morcha or procession of either persons or vehicles is prohibited. The ban will continue till December 12 midnight. Those who defy these restrictions will be booked under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.