Wasn't arrested for flouting COVID-19 norms in club, says Sussanne Khan

Fashion designer Sussanne Khan has put out a clarification denying reports that she was arrested for violating social distancing norms following a raid on a club near the Mumbai airport early on Tuesday morning. According to the reports, the Mumbai police arrested Khan, singer Guru Randhawa and cricketer Suresh Raina, who were later released on bail.

The police, meanwhile, confirmed that they arrested Raina and Randhawa under sections 188 (disobedience to order duty promulgated by public servant) and 269 (acts in a way that could spread an infection), among others, of the Indian Penal Code. Since the sections were bailable, they were released immediately.

Khan's clarification, which was posted on Instagram, read, "Last night I was at a close friend's birthday dinner and a few of us extended to the Dragon Fry club at JW Marriot, Sahar. At 2.30 am the authorities entered the club. Whilst the authorities and club management were sorting things out, all the guests present were asked to wait for a period of three hours. We were finally allowed to leave at 6 am. Therefore, the speculation made by parts of the media that there were arrests made are completely incorrect and also irresponsible. I fail to understand why we were made to wait or what the issue was with the authorities and the club.

"I am setting the record straight with this statement. I have utmost regard and respect for the Mumbai police and for all their selfless efforts in keeping us Mumbaikars safe. Without their constant vigilance for public welfare, we would not feel safe."

 

 

 

 

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The Mumbai police had tweeted about the incident on Tuesday afternoon. "Party (Nahin) Chalegi Till Six In The Morning! 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 (sic)," read the tweet.

The police's actions came after the Maharashtra government on 21 December declared a curfew from 11 pm to 6 am in areas that fall under the jurisdiction of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for a period of 15 days. The curfew will remain in force till January 5.