135 contract infection in CRPF, 400 isolated

NEWDELHI: As many as 135 jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have tested positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) so far, officials said on Saturday, adding that the high number in the force was a cause of concern.

The ministry of home affairs has sought a reply from the paramilitary force on how the infection spread to so many personnel, an official familiar with the matter said. “The test results are gradually coming. So far, in almost 10-12 days, 135 personnel have been tested positive. However, most of them are asymptotic,” said an official who didn’t wish to be named.

The test results for 22 jawans are awaited.

Meanwhile, a probe has begun to find out if there is any other carrier of the virus in the battalion. Over 400 troopers of this battalion of the CRPF are currently lodged at a Delhi government isolation facility in Mandoli after a sub-inspector from Assam died

OVER 400 TROOPERS OF THIS BATTALION OF THE CRPF ARE CURRENTLY LODGED AT ISOLATION FACILITY IN DELHI. MOST OF THE 135 PATIENTS ARE ASYMPTOMATIC

succumbed to the viral infection on Tuesday.

He was being treated for the disease at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital. It is suspected that the deceased jawan and others in the battalion contracted the infection from a nursing assistant.

The medical wing of the battalion had earlier issued an order allowing asymptotic officers to join work within five days of travel.

This order was in violation of government mandated 14 days of quarantine period for everyone.

On Saturday, there were 4,122 positive cases in Delhi. HTC