New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry (MHA) has applauded the police efforts across India during COVID-19 pandemic.
The ministry in a 184-special compendium prepared by Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) titled The Indian Police Response to COVID-19 crisis, however, skipped the issue of police highhandedness during the period, particularly during 68-days lockdown since March 25.
Earlier, reports suggested of police atrocities on migrant labourers who were forced to leave for their homes due to COVID-19 pandemic.
The BPRD, in its special booklet published recently, has stated that police forces across India as well as central paramilitary forces not only ensured a strict lockdown but also played a key role in the distribution of goods and supply of essential services to migrant labourers.
The recovered police officials also donated plasma for patients.
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"As the first line of defenders, the police personal in the states and UTs and CAPFs have worked day and night, enforcing regulations and containing the spread to the maximum possible extent. Undeterred by the arduous work routine and danger of contracting the virus, our law enforcement personnel saved millions other from the coronavirus...their contribution in protecting the vulnerable such as the senior citizens, migrant labourers, women and the sick, has been especially incredible," said Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy.
Apart from distributing ration, face masks, ensuring social distancing, spreading awareness, police officers in many states also contributed their salary to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure in the state for COVID response.
The BPRD report said that police officials went beyond the call of duty and even performed last rites of COVID-19 patients.
"WhatsApp groups were formed to communicate with expecting mothers and providing them assistance in case of discomfort due to the pandemic. On many occasions, police personnel were found purchasing cakes to celebrate the birthday of senior cities and kids," the BPRD in compendium said.
The police departments also make proper use of technology to mitigation the pandemic. "CCTV cameras were used at important and sensitive locations for keeping a close watch at quarantine centres and violation of laid down protocols including social distancing norms," the BPRD said.
Talking to ETV Bharat, retired director general of Border Security Force (BSF) Prakash Singh said that the role being played by the police officials during the Covid19 pandemic is very much praiseworthy.
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"They not only ensured law and order but also helped the frontline health workers in performing their duties. The police officials also ensured that proper social distancing and proper health protocol is followed by the citizens," said Singh who also saved as Director-General of Assam police as well as Uttar Pradesh police.
The BPRD report further said that as many as 76768 police personnel have been infected with Covid19 disease whereas 401 officials have also lost their lives.
The highest number of police officials were infected in Maharashtra (12760). The state also witnessed the highest casualty of police personnel due to the disease (129).
The BPRD report said that 3757 BSF personnel, 3041 CISF and 5467 CRPF personnel were infected by COVID-19 virus. Similarly, 13 personnel from BSF, 17 from CISF and 24 from CRPF have also lost their lives while fighting against the pandemic.
