44 police personnel have succumbed to COVID-19 so far in Karnataka: DG IGP Praveen Sood
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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Violence during Ram Navami rally in Murshidabad; Muslim shops vandalised, several injured
Murshidabad: Violence broke out during a Ram Navami procession in Raghunathganj area of Jangipur subdivision, where around 40 shops were reportedly vandalised and several set on fire, raising concerns over law and order ahead of the Assembly elections.
The incident took place in Fultala locality, a predominantly Muslim residential area near the Jangipur subdivisional hospital. According to sources, tension began when a Ram Navami procession passed near a mosque while Friday prayers were underway.
Objections raised by those offering prayers reportedly led to a verbal altercation. The situation escalated as the procession moved towards Fultala crossing.
Eyewitnesses alleged that members of the mob climbed onto rooftops of nearby houses, hoisted saffron flags, damaged shops and assaulted residents. Several commercial establishments, including small shops and food outlets, were reportedly targeted.
The site of the incident is located close to the Raghunathganj police station. Residents claimed that the violence continued for some time despite the presence of police and central forces, alleging delayed intervention. Police later resorted to a lathicharge to disperse the crowd.
Among those injured was Abul Sheikh, a 30-year-old employee of Jangipur municipality, who sustained head injuries. He alleged that he was attacked while passing through the area on his motorcycle, which was also damaged and set on fire.
BJP Jangipur president Subal Chandra Ghosh said the situation arose after the procession was allegedly obstructed. He stated that participants reacted by pelting stones, leading to clashes in which people from both sides were injured.
Superintendent of Police of Jangipur police district, Surinder Singh, said police reached the spot and brought the situation under control. He said an investigation has been initiated with the involvement of both state police and central forces. No arrests had been made so far, and search operations are underway, he added.
Jangipur MLA Zakir Hossain alleged that the incident was an attempt to create communal tension ahead of elections and demanded immediate action against those responsible.
