COVID-19: Tension Rises in Maharashtra Home Ministry, Over 1,000 Police Personnel Infected

On Monday late evening the number of police personnel affected by COVID-19 in Maharashtra crossed the 1,000 mark, with a total of 1,007 cases at the last count. The huge increase has made the Home Department and the state government worried about keeping up the state police’s morale high.

On Monday, total 221 police personnel were tested positive taking the tally to 1,007. Out of those, 901 are police constable or other employees and 106 are officers. In Mumbai alone, 309 police persons have been affected by COVID-19. Till now, 113 police persons have recovered and discharged from hospitals. 

Seven police personnel have lost their lives so far. Out of those, four are from Mumbai and one each from Pune, Solapur and Nasik. On Monday, Sunil Kalgutkar who was assistant police inspector in Kurla's Vinoba Bhave Police Station died due to COVID-19. 

Mumbai Police have arranged one building with 300 beds in Santacruz's Vakola police colony for treatment and quarantine. Another building in Marol with 300 beds has been arranged as a police treatment centre. 

As of now, total 2,25,000 police personnel are on duty in Maharashtra. They have been under stress since the lockdown in the state began from March 22. The increase in number of police patients could demoralise them. State government is tensed over this possibility. 

In Monday's video conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray requested for more forces from the Centre. "Police are continuously on the road since last 45 days. They are tired. They need to be given rest. So, central government should provide forces from central agencies as per need," said Thackeray in the meet. 

Mumbai Police Commissioner Parambir Singh also reached out to police personnel on streets on Monday. He visited all the major points from Western Mumbai and enquired about the situation of police personnel on road.