Awhad, was in constant touch with a police officer from Mumbra who tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Mumbra is the assembly seat of Awhad.
Regarding his decision, Awhad said, "Yes, I am now in self-quarantine at home. Nothing is wrong with me. But this is a precautionary measure to ensure that all others around me are safe."
The minister has requested all his supporters, party workers and admirers to allow him to remain in 'self-isolation' undisturbed over the next few days for everybody's good health.
Also Watch: Jitendra Awhad takes precautionary step, self-quarantines
Recently the minister had courted controversy after a 40-year-old civil engineer from Thane alleged that he was beaten up at Awhad’s residence. According to the victim, police came to his house and had taken him under the pretext of some case but instead of the police station, they led him to Awhad’s residence where he was thrashed. The victim also said that the minister was present during this incident. According to reports an FIR has been filed against Awhad’s unidentified supporters which include the minister’s bodyguard for the assault.
Maharashtra has become one of the biggest hotspots for COVID-19 with around 1985 confirmed cases of coronavirus (Ministry of Health and Family Affairs). It was also reported on April 6 that a tea-vendor selling tea outside the private residence of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had tested positive.