Pune: A 3,000-strong police force serving and implementing lockdown measures in the remotest locations of Pune district has reported only 63 cases of COVID-19 infections in the last five months. This comes to around 2.1 per cent of the total strength of police personnel deployed 24x7 during the last 150 days across 18 talukas in the Pune district. To understand what worked for Pune Rural police to keep the coronavirus spread under control in its force, Sakal Times spoke to several police officers, who credited this amazing feat to Superintendent of Police Sandeep B Patil heading the Pune Rural Police department.
The Pune Rural Police has 32 police stations under its jurisdiction with 180 officers and a 2741 strong constabulary handling the entire district. Of the 63 personnel infected with Covid-19, 48 have already recovered after receiving medical treatment and 15 are still undergoing the treatment.
Suresh Bodkhe, Inspector, Police Welfare Branch said, “Online yoga classes are being organised for Pune Rural police personnel on the instructions of SP Sandeep Patil. Ayurvedic medicines were distributed to our staff to help them increase their bodily immunity. Apart from this, several essential items like face shield, masks, sanitiser, hand wash etc were distributed to everyone since the beginning of the pandemic.”
Ashok Shelke, Inspector, Haveli police station said, “We are encouraging our staff to take care of themselves as well as their family members. Necessary and important instructions from SP Sandeep Patil and other officers regarding this are being given to them on a daily basis.”
Dr Sai Bhore-Patil, Sub-Divisional Officer, Haveli said, “SP Sandeep Patil takes review of health conditions of his police personnel during the group call of all officers every day. He makes sure that the police personnel are contacted by senior officers to boost his morale. The family members also feel relieved when senior officers enquire about their health and other problems. Nodal officers at taluka level also take a review of the situation on a daily basis.”
DISTRIBUTION OF ESSENTIAL ITEMS
• Face shield
• Masks
• Sanitiser
• Hand wash
• Ayurvedic medicines
OTHER MEASURES TAKEN
• Organising online yoga classes
• Boosting morale of team through group calls over phone
• Nodal officers reviewing situation daily
