In A First, Two Mumbai Police Personnel Pass Away Due To Coronavirus; 40 Others Have Tested Positive

Two Mumbai policemen have succumbed to Covid-19 in quick succession, sending shockwaves in the city's police circles, officials said in Mumbai on Sunday (26 April).

According to a senior official, these are the first two cases of corona deaths among the Mumbai Police.

A 57-year-old policeman, under treatment at the Nair Hospital, succumbed on Saturday afternoon, officials said. The second casualty is a 52-year-old policeman.

"Mumbai Police lost two brave souls in a span of two days. May the departed souls rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers for the family and friends," Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh tweeted.

At least 40 other policemen have tested positive and are undergoing treatment at various city hospitals.

The first policeman, posted at Vakola Police Station in Santacruz East, was a resident of the Premnagar Colony in Worli. Details of the second one are awaited.

The first policeman was rushed to the Nair Hospital after he complained of uneasiness on 22 April and later tested positive. As his condition continued to worsen, he was put on a ventilator but he failed to make it.

Though it is not clear when and how both the policemen got infected, some of their close contacts have been identified and are currently undergoing treatment.

Other policemen who were in touch with the deceased have also been quarantined at their own homes as a precaution.

In view of over 95 Covid-19 cases that have hit the force so far, the Mumbai Police have decided against deploying those officials with comorbidities or related health issues in containment zones or sensitive areas like Dharavi and other slums pockets.

The worst-hit in the country, Mumbai has recorded 191 Covid-19 casualties and another 5,049 positive cases till 25 April.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)