4 cops succumb to Covid in 24 hours

Four personnel of the Mumbai Police died of Covid-19 between Friday and Saturday — the most fatalities in the force due to the virus in a single day.

The coronavirus toll in the city police force rose to 26.

Besides Mumbai Police, 14 more police personnel from other districts in the state, too, have succumbed to Covid-19 till Saturday.

According to the police, one of the victims is a constable from Dindoshi police station who had fallen sick on June 4 and had fever and breathing problems. “He was immediately admitted to Sevenhills Hospital at Marol. On June 6, the report revealed he was Covid positive. He was also suffering from diabetes. It is yet to be ascertained how he contracted the virus,” said senior inspector Dharnendra Kamble.

An inspector from the same police station had earlier tested positive, but he is now healthy and in home quarantine.

Among the three other cops who died was a constable attached to the Borivli police station. “He started having breathing problem and had high fever on June 2. He was admitted to a hospital at Nalla Sopara and his report came positive on June 6,” said Dr Mohan Dahikar, deputy commissioner of police, zone 11.

A 57-year-old head constable from Vakola police station also died on Saturday. Inspector

Pravin Rane said, “On Friday, he suddenly developed breathing problems and was immediately taken to Niron Hospital for treatment. He succumbed on Saturday,” Said Rane.

Another cop, a 56-year-old assistant sub-inspector (ASI), attached to the protection and security department of the city police, died on Saturday. He was posted at the joint commissioner of police (law and order) office, but was on leave.