Smruti D

The paramilitary forces have been exemplary in acting swiftly during the coronavirus pandemic in India. They swung into action immediately by screening passengers at airports, replacing and supporting the over-exhausted state police forces in their respective states and distributing food to the needy.

CISF stands guard at IGI airport during the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown, in New Delhi picture by Prem Singh

Early this year, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), which have an experience of dealing with opponents in all theatres of operations, found themselves on the streets of some of the most peaceful cities fighting an unseen enemy. As infections spread, the news of exhausted police personnel working overtime, surfaced. Maharashtra, which has the highest number of Covid-19 cases, requested for a number of CAPF companies to work alongside Maharashtra police. This was also because some police personnel had tested Covid-19 positive.

Recently, on May 13, the Maharashtra state government asked the centre to dispatch 20 more companies of the CAPF, in addition to the 32 companies which were already deployed in the state. The centre, so far, has dispatched 10 companies which had to be recalled from Jammu. One can imagine the kind of efforts security personnel have put in to deal with the present crisis. While they assist state and central governments, they have also become victims of the virus.

Impact

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has recorded 369 cases till now. On May 26, one new case was reported from New Delhi, taking the number of active positive cases to 141. So far, 226 personnel have recovered. However, the CRPF reported its first coronavirus death on April 29. Fifty-five-year-old sub-inspector (SI) Mohammed Ikram Hussain of 31^st battalion died from Covid-19 at Delhi’s Safdarjung hospital. On May 21, assistant sub inspector (ASI) Panchdev Ram, who belonged to the 84^th battalion, s