Representational image from a CRPF ceremony
A 55-year-old personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) passed away due to coronavirus infection today. This is the first death due to the coronavirus among the 10 lakh personnel strong Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) or the paramilitary forces that function under the Union Home Ministry for the upkeep of internal security and border guarding.
The deceased personnel was reported to be a sub-inspector (SI) rank official. He was admitted to the Safdarjung hospital a few days back after being tested positive for the virus. "The 55-year-old personnel died on Tuesday due to COVID-19 infection. He was posted with the 31st battalion of the force based in Delhi," a senior official said. The trooper, who hailed from Barpeta district in Assam, was suffering from co-morbid conditions like diabetes and hypertension, he said.
At least 31 other personnel of this battalion have been admitted with coronavirus after they are suspected to have contracted the virus from another colleague found positive in their camp.
There have been a few positive cases in other CAPFs like the Border Security Force and the Central Industrial Security Force. Some among them have been cured too.
The CRPF is country's largest paramilitary force with about 3.25 lakh personnel in its ranks and it is designated as the lead internal security force apart from the mainstay for anti-Naxal operations and counter-terrorist duties in the Kashmir valley.
(With PTI inputs)
