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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Attack on Indian-flagged merchant ship off Oman coast unacceptable: MEA
New Delhi (PTI): An Indian-flagged commercial vessel has come under attack off the coast of Oman but all its 14 crew members are safe, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
It is not immediately known who carried out the strike on the vessel on Wednesday.
The MEA described the attack as "unacceptable".
"The attack on an Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman yesterday is unacceptable and we deplore the fact that commercial shipping and civilian mariners continue to be targeted," it said.
"All Indian crew on board are safe and we thank the Omani authorities for rescuing them," it said.
The MEA said India reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, should be avoided.
The vessel was sailing from Somalia and the strike triggered a fire that led to sinking of the vessel, it is learnt.
The crew members were rescued by Oman's Coast Guard and taken to Diba port.
At least two other Indian-flagged ships have been attacked since the war between the US and Iran began on February 28.
The latest attack came amid the fragile security situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
