Former India cricketer Suresh Raina was among 34 people arrested by the Mumbai Police in the early hours of Tuesday after a raid was carried out at the Dragonfly Nightclub for allegedly violating global virus protocols.
Suresh Raina arrested under relevant Indian Penal Code (IPC) of Section 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 269 (whoever unlawfully or negligently does any act which is, and which he knows or has reason to believe to be, likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life), 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of IPC and provisions of NMDA.
Joint Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangre-Patil revealed that the raid was carried out after a large number of people were found partying without maintaining protocols like wearing masks and observing physical distancing. All the accused were later released on bail.
Party (Nahin) Chalegi Till Six In The Morning!
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) December 22, 2020
A raid was conducted at a nightclub in Andheri at around 3 am, for flouting COVID prevention norms
Action has been initiated against 34 people, out of which 19 were from Delhi & Punjab, including some celebrities #NewNormal
A statement issued by Raina’s management team stated that the former Indian all-rounder was not aware of the local timings and protocols at the time of the incident.
“Suresh was in Mumbai for a shoot which extended to late hours and was invited by a friend for a quick dinner post the same prior to him taking his flight back to Delhi. He was not aware of the local timings and protocols,” said the statement.
“Once pointed out, he immediately complied with the procedures laid out by the authorities and regrets the unfortunate and unintentional incident.
“He always holds rules and laws laid down by governing bodies with the highest regard and will continue to do so in the future as well,” it added.
Suresh Raina had announced his retirement from international cricket in August this year, immediately after MS Dhoni’s retirement. The southpaw has played 226 ODIs, 78 T20I, and 18 Tests for the Indian cricket team.
Singer Guru Randhawa and Bollywood celebrity Sussanne Khan were also arrested among others at the club near the Mumbai airport. All the 34 accused were booked for violating coronavirus norms after the arrests took place around 3 am.
