Probe ordered after party video at Patiala Club goes viral

Aman Sood
Tribune News Service
Patiala, September 17

The role of the management and officials of Rajindra Gymkhana and Mahendra Club (Maharani Club) is under scanner following alleged violation of the social distancing norms at a private function held on the club premises.

The police ordered a probe to ascertain the role of club management and the host after guests, including children, were allegedly seen dancing without wearing masks at party, whose video went viral on the social media.

According to information, a private member of the club had booked two rooms claiming that he would invite around 30 guests at a party. However, a video of the function shows that not only a couple dance was held, but elderly and children too participated in the event without wearing masks on the club premises.

Sources said even the staff and waiters of the Maharani Club could be seen serving eatables without wearing masks in the video. “How can such parties be allowed when gatherings are limited for marriages and deaths. Such gatherings are illegal. Besides, the club management a case should be registered against the host and the staff, providing catering service, at the venue,” said a club member.

Patiala has not been able to contain the spread of virus. Hundreds of fresh Covid cases were reported in the past two weeks in the city. Earlier, such parties in Rajpura led to community transmission of virus following which the state government banned all such avoidable functions.

As per the government guidelines, only marriage and death related gatherings and that too limited to less than 30 persons while maintaining social distancing norms are allowed.

A senior Health Department official said as per the rules there was no permission from the district administration to throw parties. Not only this party, but various other events inside this club were held without permission from the authorities concerned, he added. “An FIR for violation of the lockdown and social distancing norms under the Disaster Management Act in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic should be registered against the club management and the host. They not only violated rules for such social gatherings, but also broke orders of the District Magistrate,” he said.

“The function was booked as one of our members wanted to host a private lunch for his herbal product users. We never knew that he was holding a dance party wherein couples and kids would participate without wearing masks,” said club president JPS Walia.

“I would request you not to highlight the issue. We will examine it at our own level,” Walia added.

The Patiala Deputy Commissioner, Kumar Amit, said he would ask the police to investigate and look into the violations.

The Patiala SSP, Vikram Jeet Duggal, said he had marked an enquiry into the whole incident to the SP (City). “We will ascertain how many such gatherings were held and register an FIR based on his report,” the SSP added.

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