The death of 55-year-old Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel on Tuesday in Delhi due to novel coronavirus has set alarm bells ringing in the largest Central Armed Police Force (CAPF).

The death of the sub-inspector rank official of the 31st battalion based in Delhi, is the first such case in the force due to coronavirus pandemic.

So far, 46 CRPF personnel have tested positive for Covid-19. The results of 257 others are awaited. An entire battalion of nearly 1,100, meanwhile, has been quarantined and sealed.

Sub-inspector (SI) rank CRPF soldier Mohammad lkram Hussain was admitted to the Safdarjung hospital in Delhi a few days back after he tested positive for coronavirus. The deadly virus claimed his life on Tuesday evening.

The trooper, who hailed from Barpeta district in Assam, was posted to CRPF’s 31st battalion in Mayur Vihar, Phase-3 in Delhi.

CRPF vs MHA MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Sources say the top echelons of the Home Ministry on Tuesday got into a huddle after the death of the paramilitary trooper due to coronavirus was reported.

While Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted to express sorrow over the trooper’s death, sources said MHA top brass has taken note of CRPF personnel contracting Covid-19 in Delhi and asked the DG to explain circumstances due to which the spread of infection could not be contained.

This has led to a lot of anxiety within the force, which feels the blame does not lie with them.