New Delhi, Mar 31 (IANS): Aam Aadmi Party MLA Amantullah Khan on Tuesday said he had informed the DCP South East and ACP Nizamuddin on March 23 that about 1,000 people were trapped in Nizamuddin Markaz, questioning them for their inaction.

"On March 23, at 12 p.m. I told the DCP South East and ACP Nizamuddin that around 1,000 people are trapped in Nizamuddin Markaz, then why did the police not arrange to send them," the Okhla MLA tweeted in Hindi.

On the other hand, Daryaganj Councillor Yasmin Kidwai has blamed the Centre government along with the police.

In a series of tweets, she said a case should be filed against "an incompetent government who did a lockdown without a plan."

She asked why were visas issued to foreigners when the coronavirus warnings were out. "Why did government not evacuate them even after?"

"The Markaz has been in constant touch with the Delhi government and the SDM office --they were under lockdown not holding a congregation. But yes let's move attention from all incompetence and blame people," she said.

She also said there were 300 foreign nationals in the Nizamuddin Markaz, "many from Indonesia and Malaysia -how did they get visas and then allowed to travel all Over the country?"

While the government is still counting the people who took part in a religious congregation in Nizamuddin West between March 1 and 15, it is estimated that close to 2,000 people assembled at the Markaz building.

Atleast 24 people have been tested positive for coronavirus from the Nizamuddin area, with officials saying the number can go up.

Till Tuesday morning, 1,033 people have been shifted to various places from the building. Also, this is the largest single group being tested for the COVID-19 in Delhi.