Criminal Complaint Filed Against Kanika Kapoor in Bihar Court

The singer tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after returning from the UK.

Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor has contracted the coronavirus.

(Photo Courtesy: Instagram)

A criminal complaint was filed against singer Kanika Kapoor before a Bihar court on Saturday, 21 March, accusing her of neglecting and disobeying an order issued by a public servant to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. The complaint was lodged by advocate Sudhir Kumar Ojha before the court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Satish Chandra. It alleged that Kanika hid the fact that she was infected with the coronavirus, and also accused the singer of spreading the disease among people by performing at three parties in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The matter will come up for hearing on 31 March.

Kanika Kapoor Booked for Negligence

Kanika has been booked for negligence by the Lucknow police. Speaking to ANI, Jyoti Narayan, IG Law and Order, said that a number of advisories have been issued by the government and chief ministers of states to prevent spreading of the infection. “As for any person who creates problem if they are already infected and hidden their travel history, we can take action as per IPC and Epidemic Act. Lucknow DM and CMO will take the decision,” he said.

The Uttar Pradesh government earlier asked the Lucknow administration to identify the parties that Kanika attended. “A probe has been ordered to ascertain all parties attended by Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor. District Magistrate Lucknow has been asked to probe and submit a report within 24 hours,” Additional Chief Secretary Awanish Awasthi said. “Directives have also been issued to identify those who attend the party,” he added.

Vasundhara Raje, Dushyant Singh Self-Quarantine After COVID-19 Exposure

National Vice President of the BJP, Vasundhara Raje, and her son Dushyant Singh also attended the party, and declared that they are quarantining themselves after coming in contact with Kanika Kapoor. The two were present at a party that was attended by the singer and other top bureaucrats, including Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Jai Pratap Singh.

Raje confirmed the news tweeting, “While in Lucknow, I attended a dinner with my son Dushyant & his in-laws. Kanika, who has unfortunately tested positive for #Covid19 was also a guest. As a matter of abundant caution, my son & I have immediately self-quarantined and we’re taking all necessary precautions.”

Photos reportedly from the party have been doing the rounds on social media.

Tested Positive for COVID-19: Kanika

Kanika Kapoor returned to India from the UK on Sunday, 15 March. She took to Instagram to share the news saying that while she was scanned at the airport on arrival, she began experiencing flu-like symptoms only four days ago. She confirmed that she and her family are under quarantine and authorities are trying to get in touch with anyone she may have come into contact with recently.

She wrote: “For the past 4 days I have had signs of flu. I got myself tested and it came positive for COVID-19. My family and I are in complete quarantine now and following medical advice on how to move forward. Contact mapping of people I have been in touch with is underway as well. I was scanned at the airport as per normal procedure 10 days ago when I cam back home, the symptoms have developed only four days ago.”

“At this stage I would like to urge you all to practice self-isolation and get tested if you have the signs. I am feeling ok, like a normal flu and a mild fever. However, we need to be sensible citizens at this time and think of all around us,” she added.

Kanika Allegedly Attended 3 Parties Before Being Diagnosed, Says Father

Kanika's father Rajiv Kapoor said that she attended three parties in India prior to her diagnosis. He told Aaj Tak,“Kanika has attended three parties after her arrival. She came in contact with around 350-400 people in three parties. Along with Kanika, we are also in isolation.”

However, in an interview with the same news channel, Kanika contradicted her father’s statements saying that she only “attended a small get together on 13 March.” “I tried my level best not to contaminate others. Throughout the past week, we were all wearing gloves,” she claimed.

Some have alleged that Kanika failed to disclose her travel history to the authorities. However, the singer denied these claims saying that she was scanned at the airport on arrival and nothing was reported at the time. “I am an educated and hardworking girl. I was part of the scanning process at the airport. I also called the CMO to check me and filled all forms at the airport,” she told Aaj Tak.

The singer and her family were spotted being transferred to a hospital by ambulance where they will spend time in quarantine.

According to an estimate, the coronavirus has infected over 2,00,000 people globally with over 200 cases confirmed in India so far. While no other Bollywood celebrity has announced that they have contracted the virus yet, several famous names from Hollywood, including Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson, Idris Elba, Bond girl Olga Kurylenko, and Game of Thrones actors Indira Varma and Kristofer Hivju have confirmed that they’ve tested positive for COVID-19.

(With inputs from PTI)