Vijayapura: As many as 44 police personnel of the state succumbed to COVID-19 and over 6,000 were infected by the virus when they were carrying out their duties, informed Director General and Inspector General of Police Praveen Sood.
He was addressing the media after chairing a review meeting with top police officials of the district on Thursday, September 3.
Speaking to reporters, the DG&IGP said that the government has paid an ex-gratia of Rs 30 lakh each to the families of all the police personnel who succumbed to the disease.
“Besides the financial aid, the police have assured the eligible family members of a job and other benefits that have been announced by the government,” he said.
Speaking further, he said that the government has announced that even the police personnel must be considered as “Corona Warriors” like the medical fraternity.
Informing that 99% of the police functioning has resumed in the State, Sood said that he has directed the respective SPs of the districts to exempt from duty those police officials who are suffering from comorbidities as the COVID infection could prove fatal for them.
Speaking about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DG&IGP said that the people have been forced to make use of technology at a larger scale.
“In the police department also, we began producing the accused or witnesses in criminal cases before judges through video conferencing. Within 4-5 years, we may reach a stage where even evidence can be presented through video conferencing,” he added.
Meanwhile, the DG&IGP said that discussion is underway on filling up of vacancies in the Home Department and providing housing facilities for police personnel.
SP Anupam Agrawal, ASP Ram Arasiddi, and other police officials were present.
