Viral Video: Delhi Couple Without Masks Misbehaves With Cops, Netizens Outraged

Delhi couple without masks draw backlash: The video of a couple misbehaving with police after they were stopped for not wearing masks inside their car is going viral on social media. Amid a sharp national spike in COVID-19 cases, with daily count crossing the 25,000 mark in the national capital, and simultaneous increase in deaths, the video has sparked outrage on social media owing to the couple flouting protocol.

The incident reportedly occurred in Delhi's Daryaganj on April 18 around 4 pm. The couple, identified as Abha Gupta and Pankaj Dutta, was also not carrying a curfew pass, mandatory for travel during the bygone weekend lockdown.

They have reportedly been charged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. As per ANI, Dutta was arrested Sunday and his wife on Monday.

Watch the viral video below: 

#WATCH | A couple misbehaved with Delhi Police personnel in Daryaganj area earlier today after they were stopped & asked the reason for not wearing face masks.

"An FIR under various sections of IPC has been lodged against them," say police.

(Video source - Delhi Police) pic.twitter.com/hv1rMln3CU

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2021

"What If I Have To Kiss My Husband?" Delhi Couple Without Masks Charged Under IPC

In view of a rising daily tally of coronavirus cases in Delhi, which is among the top three states alongside Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh leading the national count. COVID-19 cases crossed the 25,000 mark in Delhi, as per data on April 19, marking the highest single-day rise in the city since the pandemic began last year.

On Monday, the Delhi government announced a complete curfew for seven days. All details here.

As per COVID-19 guidelines, citizens in the national capital have been directed to compulsorily wear masks when travelling in their own cars, even when solo.

The unmasked woman in the viral video can be seen arguing with authorities over the wearing of a mask when in her own car with her husband. "I will kiss my husband. Can you stop me?" she asks. "Why should I wear a mask in my car... I have cleared UPSC."

"#COVIDIOTS Strict action should be taken against the Couples. Hats off to Delhi Police for their patience!!!" one social media user wrote, reacting to the video. "Very bad, we need to change our attitude So much aggression?" another wrote. 

Several similar incidents of people engaging with authorities after flouting COVID-19 norms have been reported since the pandemic began last year. Read about anti-maskers here.