The citizens of the country are breathing a little easier as COVID-19 recoveries exceed active cases by 3.5 times, that is, over 76%.
Maharashtra is still the most-affected State with the highest number of positive cases under its belt. As the season of festivals is here and unlocking procedures are taking place across the State, coronavirus cases among the policemen are on the rise. On August 25, Maharashtra Police recorded the highest one day rise in COVID-19 cases among its police officers; with 351 having tested positive, the total number of cases stands at 14,067. Despite 351 cases being added, as many as 307 cops also recovered during the same period. As on August 26, 11,356, police personnel have recovered from the virus.
Of the total 14,067 cases, 1,499 were officers and 12,568 were the constabulary staff. The total number of deaths due to the infection among State cops rose to 142, including 15 officers and 127 constabulary staff.
“As the unlocking phase has been implemented in the State, a significant number of people are stepping out of their houses. Police manpower has also been increased. Earlier, due to the lockdown, a lesser number of criminal cases were registered, but now, these cases have also started increasing. Due to this, more policemen are on patrolling duty, significantly exposing themselves to the infection. Enforcement of safety norms remains a top priority during the festival season,” said a police officer attached to the Mumbai Police.
The maximum numbers of COVID-19 cases among police personnel are being reported from Mumbai, its surrounding areas, and the personnel of the Maharashtra State Reserve Police Force deployed in these high-risk areas. Other than Mumbai and the SRPF, cases are rising among cops in Nashik Rural, Thane City, Pune City, Navi Mumbai, Mumbai Railway, Solapur and Pimpri Chinchwad police jurisdictions. A significant number of cases have also been reported from police personnel in rural areas.
The situation is being closely monitored and the supply of safety utilities is being ensured. Dedicated hospital and quarantine facilities for police have already been set up. Close to 8,000 cops remain in quarantine across the State, an officer added.
The State Police have issued a caution to tourists to be careful and strictly follow all the safety protocol rules. Those not adhering to these rules are severely dealt with. An example of the seriousness of the enforcement of the penalty for breaking these rules is when the Palghar Police detained more than 17 people for gathering for a pre-wedding shoot at Kelwa Beach.
“Strict action will be taken by the authorities under the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951 (Section 68 and 69) against those venturing out in public spaces like a waterfall and lake. Section 3 of Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, or the Disaster Management Act, 2005 will also be enforced if necessary, informed a senior police officer.
Mumbai Police, through their various social media accounts, have been stressing time and again that citizens step out of the house only in case of an emergency. The city sleuths with the help of its Twitter account recently posted a tweet that action will be taken against rule-breakers. The tweet read, “Strict legal action will be taken and vehicles will be seized if any non-permitted & non-essential vehicular movement is noticed. This is not just against the rules but also not in favour of your safety at this crucial moment in Mumbai’s fight against #COVID19.”
Since the lockdown was imposed in March, there have been 336 cases of assaults on on-duty policemen who are part of enforcement deployments across the State. As many as 89 cops have been injured in these attacks. But the police force is not taking these assault cases lying down. These offences have been registered under the Indian Penal Code – Section 188, against violators of prohibitory orders. So far, over 2.41 lakh offences have been registered across the State.
Mohit Naik
