The Home Ministry has swung into action after 47 jawans of the CRPF tested positive for coronavirus. According to sources, the ministry has sought a report from the CRPF DG seeking details on how the number of infections spiralled in the 31st battalion of CRPF in East Delhi’s Mayur Vihar. Sources also say that the home ministry, reportedly upset over so many jawans of the same battalion getting infected with the virus, has sought answers over any possible lapses in controlling the spread of the pandemic. Meanwhile, a 55-year-old CRPF man hailing from Assam lost the battle to coronavirus.
The Sub-Inspector-rank Mohammad Iram Hussain was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after he tested positive for coronavirus a few days back. Home Minister Amit Shah also tweeted to express his sorrow over his death. Following the detection of the cases, the entire battalion of approximately 1,100 men has been quarantined. While the jawans who have tested positive are being treated, more tests are underway to detect any further cases. It’s suspected that one jawan, who is a nursing assistant from the paramedic unit of the CRPF, is the super-spreader.
Reportedly, the jawan tested positive for coronavirus earlier this month. Sources say the jawan who joined the battalion recently showed signs of coronavirus on 17 April; he tested positive for Covid-19 on 25 April. Meanwhile, on April 24, nine people from the battalion tested positive and by the next day the number of total infections rose by 15 more. The CRPF has now asked all its companies to ensure that sanitiser machines are placed in each and evert duty vehicle. Sources say that CRPF has also demanded more vehicles to ensure social distancing is maintained. The CRPF has now formed a Covid-19 management team, which is headed by a commandant.