Maulana Saad, who has been named as an accused of holding a public gathering in contravention of government guidelines, is reportedly not traceable. (Photo: Facebook)

The Delhi Police has started its investigation into the audio clipping of a speech purportedly given by Maulana Mohammad Saad Kandhalvi, the head of Nizamuddin Markaz (centre) of the Tablighi Jamaat. In the audio, he can reportedly be heard instructing followers to not abide by government/medical guidelines with regards to the coronavirus outbreak.

Maulana Saad, who has been named as an accused of holding a public gathering in contravention of government guidelines, is reportedly not traceable. The audio clip is in possession of India Today TV in which Maulana Mohammad Saad can be heard saying, "If you think you will die if you assemble in a masjid, let me tell you, there is no better place to die.

It is assumed that thousands of people were inside the Nizamuddin Markaz of the Tablighi Jamaat when this speech was delivered. Saad further can be heard saying, This is not the time when you leave your prayers or meeting people just because doctors are saying. When Allah has given this disease, then no doctor or medicine can save us.

The Delhi Government and Delhi Police have now instructed the Markaz authorities to vacate the premises. The Nizamuddin Markaz had informed the police on March 24 that they are following the instructions and guidelines of government as far as Covid-19 is concerned. In the audio, the chief of the Tablighi Jamaat seems to be saying otherwise.

Saad further tells the gathering, This is the time when mosques should be populated. I feel pity for those who are saying that this is a time when people should not go or stay in mosques. This is not the time when we scatter and leave mosques. If we gather inside mosques then Allah will create peace in the world.

The government has identified 824 foreign nationals who visited the Nizamuddin Markaz. So far, 2,361 people have been evacuated from the site. Over 97 attendees or their contacts have tested positive for Covid-19 across the country and 606 have shown symptoms of coronavirus.

India Today TV cannot independently confirm the authenticity of the audio clip.

Maulana Muhammad Saad Kandhlavi, a 54-year-old, is an Indian Muslim scholar and a preacher. He is the great-grandson of the Tablighi Jamat founder Muhammad Ilyas Kandhlavi.