MUMBAI: Taking into account the deaths of three cops due to coronavirus in the last three days, the Mumbai Police has asked their personnel who are above 55 years of age and having some pre-existing ailment to go on leave.
On-duty constable Chandrakant Pendurkar, head constable Sandeep Surve and Shivaji Soanwane succumbed to the virus.
So far, at least 107 police personnel, including 20 officers, have tested positive for coronavirus across Maharashtra and most of them are from the Mumbai Police force.
“We have decided to protect our policemen and officers - who are above 55 years of age and having some pre-existing ailment and asked them to take leave,” said a senior police officer.
Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh, who is touring the entire state to boost up the morale of the police and ensure confidence, praised the work of the force.
“We have to cooperate with the administration. Government is trying best to contain the spreading up coronavirus,” he added.
“We have to on-field always. Our holidays are cancelled. Now, this circular of giving mandatory leave to more than 55 years old who is suffering from diabetic, blood pressure, kidney and other aliments will add additional pressure over the existence staffer. People should understand the gravity of the situation and follow the lockdown guidelines,” he added.
Maharashtra’s toll stands at 369
27 fatalities were reported from Maharashtra in last 24 hours and total deaths stands at 369. Maharashtra has witnessed the highest number of irus-positive cases at 8590.