Three of Khar family booked for forging Covid report to take a flight to Rajasthan

The Khar police have booked three members of a Khar family, including a minor, who had tested positive for Covid-19, but allegedly forged a Covid report, claiming they all were negative, in order to travel to Jaipur

The Khar police have booked three members of a Khar family, including a minor, who had tested positive for Covid-19, but allegedly forged a Covid report, claiming they all were negative, in order to travel to Jaipur.

HT Image

Police said the accused Lakhmichand Thavani, 53, is a 15th Khar Road resident. Thavani, his wife, Leena, 51 and their 15-year-old daughter wanted to travel to Jaipur on February 27. “As per the rules, they could travel only if they tested negative for Covid. Hence, the family underwent testing through a private lab on February 26. Their report came positive on the morning of February 27,” said a Khar police official.

As the family wanted to catch a 9am flight to Jaipur, they didn’t disclose the findings of the report to anyone and left for the airport. But as the private lab had already intimated the concerned BMC officials, a civic doctor called Thavani for assistance.

However, Thavani told the doctor that his family has already left for airport as they all tested negative for Covid. When the doctor asked him to send the report, Thavani allegedly sent him a forged report that showed all three family members Covid-19 negative, another officer said.

By the time Thavani reached outside the airport, the BMC doctor informed him that they already received original report from the private lab and warned the family from traveling.

The family returned home and was directed to remain in home quarantine.

After conducting an inquiry, the BMC official on Tuesday approached the Khar police station. On their complaint, the police lodged an FIR under sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease danger¬ous to life), 465 (forgery) and 471 (using as genuine a forged document) of the Indian Penal Code.

Senior inspector of Khar Gajanan Kabdule said they would arrest the accused after their quarantine period is over and they test negative for Covid.