'Gyms can't be open now, action will be taken'

The MiraBhayandar and VasaiVirar commissionerate has cracked down on gyms found operating against government guidelines Hours after midday published a report on the same commissioner Sadanand Date directed his staff to conduct surprise checks and take action against gym ownersTeam from Arnala police station reached the gyms mdash Elite Fitness Club and One Rep Max Fitness Club in Virar and registered cases against the owners A team of Manikpur cops reached Cerejo 11 Fitness in Vasai and asked the owner to appear at the police station after which he was bookedAction takenSpeaking to midday additional superintendent of police Vijaykant Sagar said We have taken action against the gym owners under section 188 disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant of IPC and have asked them to keep their centres shut until thegovernment gives a nod to operate themOne Rep Max Fitness Hub in Virar PicHanif PatelGym owner Roman Cerejo said I have been warned by the cops They have booked me in a case I had opened the gym only because my staff was running out of money It was shut since the lockdown started but I recently opened it to help my staff run their families I feel helpless that I cant do anything for them The Manikpur cops have asked me to appear at the police station again on October 7Some of my staff had started to work as labourers at building construction sites in Vasai and Virar because the gym was shut Can you imagine how difficult it is to run a house when there is no income for six to seven months he saidFootwear seen outside Out Raw gym in old Panvel PicHanif PatelElectricity bills rentCerejo further added that the amount he pays towards electricity bills for his gym was extremely highThe rent of the space is 275 lakh per month I also have to pay salaries to my staff members How will I manage The government must look into our pathetic financial conditions The restaurants and bars have opened up then what is the problem in reopening the gyms he askedSome still functioningSources further added that there were several fitness centres in VasaiVirar Mira Bhayandar Mumbai Thane and Navi Mumbai which were functioning discreetly and that the cops should take action against the violatorsmidday found some gyms operating in Panvel on Sunday When asked about it DCP Zone 2 Shivraj Patil said Since it has been brought to my knowledge now we will take action those who are violating lockdown ordersGym owners need to waitMeanwhile health minister Rajesh Tope said The gym owners need to wait as our internal discussions regarding reopening gyms in Maharashtra are underway Their association is in constant touch with us but the threat of the pandemic is high and we cannot afford to allow them to reopen the fitness centres If any gym is found operational action will be taken against them under the ambit of lawKeep scrolling to read more newsCatch up on all the latest Mumbai news crime news current affairs and a complete guide from food to things to do and events across Mumbai Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates MidDay is now on Telegram Click here to join our channel middayinfomedialtd and stay updated with the latest news