Vijayapura: Expressing condolences to the families of police personnel who died due to COVID-19, Karnataka Director General and Inspector of Police, Praveen Sood on Thursday informed that 44 personnel of the department had succumbed to the deadly virus in the state so far. He also informed that over 6000 personnel had infected while on duty. He further added that the families of all police personnel who died of the virus have been given Rs. 30 lakh each from the government as COVID ex-gratia.

“Besides the financial aid, the police have assured the eligible family member of a job and other benefits that are announced by the government”, he said.

Addressing media persons after chairing a review meeting with top-police officials of the district on Thursday, he said that like the medical fraternity, the government had announced to consider police too as corona warriors.

Claiming that 99% police functioning has already resumed in the State, Sood however said that he has directed the respective SPs of the district to give certain exemptions from the duty to police officials who are suffering from comorbidities as COVID infection to them could prove fatal.

Mentioning the ‘brighter side’ of the COVID pandemic, the police chief of the State said that the pandemic has made people make use of technology at a higher scale.

“In the police department also, because of the COVID, we began producing the accused or witnesses of criminal cases before judges through video conference. Within 4-5 years, we may reach a stage where even evidence would be presented through video conference only”, Sood said.

With regard to reports of some drug supply rackets are active in the State, Sood said that the police have been taking stringent action to curb this drug mafia and added that direction has been issued to police to stay vigil about the matter. Though we are conducting raids and seizing drugs, however more raids and actions are needed”, he opined.

Mentioning about Dial 112, an integrated emergency response number launched in Bengaluru, Sood said that within three months, the facility would be implemented in Vijayapura also.

He said that the discussion is underway on filling up vacancies in the Home Department and providing housing facilities to police personnel.

SP, Anupam Agrawal, ASP, Ram Arasiddi, and other police officials were present during the press conference.

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Bengaluru (PTI): A 16-year-old boy was killed after he was allegedly hit and run over by a private bus while crossing a road here on Friday, police said.

The deceased was identified as Varun, they said.

According to police, the accident occurred around 11:30 am on the Hennur–Bagalur main road.

The boy who crossing the road on foot when he was allegedly struck by the bus and came under its rear wheel, leading to his death on the spot.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead.

Following the incident, family members and locals staged a protest by blocking the Hennur–Bagalur road, resulting in heavy traffic congestion in the area.

The driver of the bus has been detained, and further legal action is being initiated, a senior police officer said, adding that an investigation is underway.