Pune: The Pune city police booked BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik and two others for allegedly flouting COVID-19 norms on Monday. According to police, nearly thousands of people had gathered for the marriage reception of Dhananjay Mahadik’s son on Sunday at Lakshmi Lawns in Magarpatta area of Pune.

The action come during the rising case of coronavirus in multiple districts of Maharashtra. The Maharashtra state government has asked all district officials to sternly impose protocols related to COVID-19 including wearing of face mask and follow social distancing. Apart from Mahadil, the owner Vivek Magar and manager Nirupal Kedar of Laxmi Lawns have also been booked.

On Sunday, many senior leaders from various political parties had attended the marriage reception. NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and many others were present at the event. As per the police officials, COVID-19 preventive measures, such as maintaining social distancing were flouted during the event following which a case was lodged at the Hadapsar police station. A case has been filed under sections of the Indian Penal Code and National Disaster Management Act, police added.

The administration has capped a limit of 200 people at social gatherings, including wedding and wedding reception, as part of steps to impose COVID-19 rules and avoid crowding.