Amid COVID restrictions in Maharashtra, large crowd surrounds minister’s convoy; police baton-charge [WATCH]

KEY STORY

•  Amid coronavirus restrictions in Maharashtra, a huge crowd gathered as Maharashtra minister Sanjay Rathod’s convoy reached the Pohradevi temple in the Washim district of the state. Visuals from the scene show the police resorting to baton-charge to disperse the crowd.

• The shocking visuals come after Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, on Sunday, banned political, social or religious gatherings in the state as the number of Covid-19 positive patients saw a surge in the western state. He also issued a public warning or wear masks or face a fresh lockdown soon.

• He said that the coming eight days will decide whether there will be a lockdown in the state.

#WATCH | Crowd gathers as Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Rathod's convoy reaches Pohradevi temple in Washim district; police baton-charge to disperse them. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/Mh479pV6Fh

— ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2021

Maharashtra CM to convene meeting with BMC officials to review virus situation

• Thackeray will convene a meeting later today with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner and officials to monitor the COVID-19 situation in the state.

• This meeting after 5,210 more patients tested positive for COVID-19 in Maharashtra, State Health Minister Rajesh Tope informed on Monday evening.

“Today, newly 5,210 patients have been tested as positive in the state. Also newly 5,035 patients have been cured today. Totally 1999982 patients are cured and discharged from the hospitals. Total Active patients are 53,113,” Tope said on Twitter.

Today, newly 5210 patients have been tested as positive in the state. Also newly 5035 patients have been cured today. Totally 1999982 patients are cured & discharged from the hospitals. Total Active patients are 53113.The patient recovery rate in the state is 94.96%.

— Rajesh Tope (@rajeshtope11) February 22, 2021

• A night curfew is already enforced in Pune and Nashik, while the Amravati district is under a complete lockdown. Streets in Amravati wore a deserted look as only a few shops selling essential commodities are open during the curfew from 8 am to 3 pm.

“People who don’t know how to do online shopping will have to step out, no matter what. Also, many people live alone who eat outside. They have to get out of their homes to arrange for their meals,” a local resident Pramod Kakur told news agency ANI.