Dombivli: The Manpada police have booked more than 60 people for organizing a bullock cart race on Sunday in Dombivili.
A video of the race went viral on social media and this forced the police to take action against the organiser. The videos show how a huge crowd was gathered at the race violating the social distance norms further creating spread of the COVID-19.
In 2014, the Supreme Court had banned bullock cart races across the country as it violates the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. However, such a race was organised by the locals including farmers just for fun and entertainment. "The video shows a huge crowd had gathered at the spot for entertainment, which clearly indicates it was a planned program. Locals were enjoying it by sitting on the tree to see the race. Then why the authorities were sleeping and registered a case just after the video went viral," claimed a social activist.
The police said the complainant was identified as Ajit Yele. The complainant alleged the bullock cart race was held at an open space in Antrali village area in Kalyan. The race started on Sunday morning at 7 am and went on till 9 am.
The Manpada police in Dombivli have registered a case under sections of the Indian Penal Code, sections of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, sections of the Maharashtra Police Act and relevant sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960. "We have registered a case on Sunday evening against the organiser and locals and are further investigating the matter," said DK. Choure, senior police inspector, Manpada police station.
The police have registered a case against organiser including 16 people whose names are specified in the case and 40 to 50 others.
The 16 people whose names are specified in the FIR includes Santosh Bhandari and Vishwanath Kalan, both organisers including others.
