Second wave of COVID-19 grips Mumbai cops, police sub-inspector dies on Sunday

A policeman examines a traveller at Dahisar check naka on Sunday. Pic/Satej Shinde

The second wave of COVID-19 pandemic is not sparing the Mumbai police either. On Sunday night, a police sub-inspector (PSI) posted with the Vakola police station died of the disease. In this wave, 279 policemen have been found positive in Mumbai in the past seven days. As of April 11, 2021, 7,997 Mumbai police personnel have been infected with the virus. Of these, 7,442 policemen have recovered, 454 are recovering and 101 have died.

Considering the increasing spread of the virus, some guidelines have also been given for policemen. They have been told not to go close to people while checking their papers during nakabandi. They have also been told to not eat food in groups, not to celebrate birthdays at the police station and ensure masks are worn all the time, and sanitiser is used frequently. They have also been told to avoid indecent language while taking action against violators of COVID rules.

DCP Chaitanya S, spokesperson for the Mumbai police, said, "We are taking all possible steps to prevent the infection among the force. All police stations have been given necessary guidelines."

Status of vaccination

In terms of vaccination, 30,756 policemen have got the first dose - of these, 2,690 are officers and 28,066 are constables. On the other hand, 17,351 have got the second dose till April 11, of which 1,325 are officers and 16,026 are constables. Some policemen have gotten infected after getting the first dose of the vaccine.

A senior police officer said, "Senior officials have started discussions on resuming the police's COVID care centres. A decision on that front will be taken soon." "The first dose of vaccine has been given to about 70 per cent of Mumbai policemen so. The vaccination of the rest is also going on," the officer added.

Constable Bharat Agawane, 58, who is posted with the Local Arms unit, said, "Since I am above 50 years of age, I have been given office duty. Three days ago, my wife and I got the vaccine. I still take all precautions but I am feeling relieved after taking the vaccine."

A 44-year-old constable attached to a south Mumbai police station said, "I was infected with COVID-19 and admitted to the hospital. No one knows for how long the virus will be around so I take all precautions. I have also taken the first dose of the vaccine."

PSI Mohan Dagde, 54, who died on Sunday was posted at Vakola police station. He was admitted to the BKC Jumbo COVID Centre on April 4. His health was improving with treatment. However, during the last two days, he suddenly deteriorated and died on Sunday night. He is survived by his wife and two children.