Chief minister Hemant Soren on Thursday said the state minister and the minister’s family members who have been put under quarantine were cooperating with the district administration.

The Telegraph had reported on Thursday that the family was put under quarantine after the name of the minister’s son figured in the Jharkhand police special branch’s list of those from the state who had participated in the religious congregation in Delhi in mid-March, many participants of which have tested positive for the novel coronavirus across the country.

The Deoghar district administration has put the minister and his family in home quarantine. His son and seven others have been sent to a separate quarantine centre.

The minister had said that his son had not visited Delhi to participate in the programme. He also said that vested political interests were being dragging him into a controversy.

“Investigation is going on, things will be clear. The minister too has come forward and his son is also cooperating,” Hemant told media personnel on Thursday.

The JMM also advised the minister not to feel offended.

“The disease and quarantine are not things to be ashamed of and even the chief minister has advised him this,” said party central general secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya. “The list... entry may be incorrect and his son might not have gone to Delhi but there is nothing wrong if the administration put them in quarantine.... This is the time when we should doubt ourselves even if we are just sneezing and coughing. The entire nation is under quarantine and as responsible citizens we should come together.”

When The Telegraph contacted the minister on Thursday, an attendant said the minister was sleeping, completely fine, and staying at home.

Deoghar deputy commissioner (DC) Nancy Sahay said: “I spoke to the minister last (Wednesday) evening. He is a seasoned politician and he understands what is required at this moment. Other than that his son and seven others have been kept in quarantine.

“Report of their medical test is awaited and so far they have not exhibited any symptom,” the DC added.