Kin of cops who died this yr yet to get aid

MUMBAI: None of the families of the 104 policemen, who lost their lives to Covid-19 this year, have received any compensation from the state government, as the state scheme for providing financial aid of ₹50 lakh to each of the families of such policemen has not been renewed after December 2020.

As a result, some of the families of deceased cops are facing serious issues.

Kavita Mahale, 30, wife of Sanjay Mahale, a constable posted with Nardana police station in Dhule, is now living with her parents, as she was finding it difficult to provide basic necessities for her two children. Sanjay succumbed to the disease on March 25 and his father passed away after eight days. Sanjay’s mother had died six months ago due to a prolonged illness.

“In just six months, I lost my husband and both in-laws. I moved back to my parent’s place in Nandurbar as there is none left in my late husband’s family who would take care of us. Now, my children and I are completely dependent on my parents. I haven’t received a single penny from the government yet. How am I supposed to feed my children and raise them? ,” said Kavita in tears.

Gaurav Wani, an engineering student and son of head constable Sanjay Wani of Kolshewadi police station in Kalyan, is also perplexed. Three months have passed since his father’s death due to Covid, but the family hasn’t yet received any compensation from the state.

“My father died of Covid-19 on January 19 at Vedanta Hospital in Thane, and now the responsibility of the family is on my shoulders,” said Gaurav, a thirdyear engineering student. His sister is also a college student.

Sanjeev Singhal, additional director general of police (admin) said, “We have written to the government requesting that funds be released so that the grieving families of deceased policemen can get financial aid.”