Mumbai: Dahisar’s Covid-19 hero constable dies from same infection

Head constable Sandip Tawde

A Dahisar police head constable died late on Friday night due to Covid-19. His senior inspector said Sandip Tawde, 48, had taken his second dose of the vaccine in mid-March. Vaccination reduces the severity of the disease even if a recipient contracts the virus. BMC Additional Commissioner Suresh Kakani said it is one in 10 lakh (one million) occurrence and that the civic body will study the patient's case and also refer it to the central government.

Tawde took his first vaccine dose on February 12 and the second shot a month later. He tested positive on April 21, according to his colleagues. He was posted on duty at the local magistrate's court and was recently rewarded for his work as a Covid-19 warrior by his department.

"He was admitted to the Dahisar Covid-19 centre," said a police officer. "His condition worsened after two days and he was shifted to the ICU at Seven Hills Hospital. He recovered well and was moved to the general ward. He fell ill and was moved to the ICU again, where he died during treatment."

Dahisar Senior Inspector Pravin Patil told mid-day that Tawde was a good performer and very intelligent. "It is a huge loss for our department. He is survived by his wife and a son, 20. We will help the family in its time of need."

Dr Balkrishna Adsul, dean, Seven Hills, said, "We will collect all the necessary information about this case and can comment only after studying it." Kakani added, "We will study this case and refer it to the central government. It is a one in 10 lakh occurrence."