Two police officers test Covid +ve, fear grips cops

Two police officers from the Hyderabad police commissionerate — a constable posted at the Gandhi Hospital and a sub-inspector – have tested positive for Covid-19. Two more police personnel reportedly tested positive, but the police has not confirmed it yet.

According to the police, the constable was older than 45 years. He was tested for the disease as a precautionary measure following a decision taken by

Hyderabad police commissioner Anjani Kumar. Eleven of the constable’s contacts have now been tested for the disease.

Meanwhile many police personnel at the ground level are worried about their safety. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a constable said: “We are experiencing psychological and physical stress. During the lockdown we had to perform duty round the clock.”Asked about the initiative to protect them, he explained: “They are not reaching the last mile (constables). The officials who are distributing sanitisers and masks are doing it for publicity. Nothing is reaching the staff on the ground. How many days does a bottle of sanitiser last or can a mask be used?”

Another constable said, “Due to the lack of staff, we had to work round the clock. The government should recruit more staff. Though right now we are working in shifts, we know this is just a temporary arrangement. They should come up with permanent solution.” A police officer said some of the personnel were obviously scared.