Indonesian, Thai citizens booked for spreading virus

They had all come to India on a tourist visa in March, but in violation of visa norms, both the Indonesian and Thailand nationals were involved in mosque preachings. Of the six Thailand nationals, three tested positive for COVID-19 and were being treated in the government hospital at Perundurai. One more person, who was part of their team tested negative, but died due to complications of diabetic nephropathy and septicaemia at Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital.

As many who had come in contact with them contracted the infection, the Erode Tahsildar Parimaladevi lodged a complaint with Erode South Police against the nationals. Similarly, the 11 Indonesian nationals accompanied by their guide from Chennai had come to Salem on March 11 to preach in mosques. Eighteen, including the 11 foreigners, were taken into custody on March 22.

Of them, six, including five Indonesian nationals, tested positive. Based on a complaint by the Salem Town Village Administration Officer Sekar, the Kitchipalayam police booked the 18 under various Sections.