Writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar said while doctors and nurses are risking their lives in the fight against COVID-19, some people are throwing stones and attacking them and some are even "spreading communal hatred". "In many places doctors and nurses are risking their own lives to fight the virus and people have thrown stones at them. This is so unfortunate and pathetic. It's a shame that people are trying to spread communal hatred and this hatred was there before coronavirus as well. It's so sad and pathetic," said Mr Akhtar.