"Pyaar Humein Kis Mod Pe Le Aaya...": Vivek Oberoi when slapped with a FIR by Mumbai Police

Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi took to Twitter with a satirical short poem making fun of himself yesterday, a day after Mumbai Police filed a FIR against him for riding a motorcycle without both a helmet (as mandated by law) and a face mask (required under coronavirus safety protocols). To make matters more hilarious the incident of him not wearing a helmet or a face mask came to light due to a social media video post by the actor himself a day earlier.

Later the social media was abuzz with a photo grab of the self-tweeted video of Vivek. The Bollywood Star of the film “PM Narendra Modi” and his wife, Priyanka Alva Oberoi were seen riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle on Valentine's Day, without a mask or a helmet.

"Pyaar humein kis mod pe le aaya! Nikle they nayi bike par hum aur hamari jaan, bina helmet ke kat gaya chalaan (Look where love has left us... we started our journey on a new bike, but were without a helmet and ended up paying a fine)," Vivek tweeted.

Lately Mumbai, the city worst-hit by the coronavirus pandemic in the country, has recorded a worrying surge in cases over the past few days. The city’s Municipal Corporation had logged nearly 3,000 new cases in the last 24 hours, and over 1,300 buildings had been sealed.

City authorities pleaded with people to wear face masks at all times when in public and maintain social distancing, else they would be indicted.

In such circumstances the act of Vivek Oberio had come under heavy fire in the social media and the city’s residents. Some went to the extend that those celebrities who are in close relations with the party in the Central

Government don’t seem to be interested in following rules in the state. Recently, Kangana Ranaut’s belligerence after a part of her allegedly illegally constructed Bungalow-cum-Office was brought down is also being cited by many on the social media.

Both the Chief Minister and Home Minister of the state have time and again stressed on the importance of face masks, warning of strict action against those caught without them.

Uddhav Thackeray, the Chief Minster, this week itself had warned of harsh consequences, including re-imposition of lockdowns, if people continue to not wear masks and eschew social distancing. He had said, “It is up to the people of the state to decide if they want a lockdown or live freely with some restrictions. Wear face masks and avoid crowds or else...”

Mumbai Police's FIR against Mr Oberoi is under multiple sections, including "negligent act likely to spread infection of disease"; under the law he can be punished with a six-month jail term.