Criminals using coronavirus as shield

Surat: The Covid-19 outbreak that has changed working patterns worldwide has also forced cops to change the way they deal with criminals.
It is no secret that in the pre-Covid era cops used to nab suspects, keep them in custody for hours together before they were formally shown as “arrested”. This often-attracted litigations and at times adverse remarks by courts on illegal detentions and allegations of tortures inside police stations.
But in Covid era, cops have started releasing accused from police stations on bail soon after their arrest in those cases where they have the power to grant bail.
With directives from Gujarat High Court to conduct Covid-19 test before producing any accused in court, cops are avoiding arrest till the test results are declared. Although reluctant, they are forced to keep the suspects in their custody without formal arrest.
Earlier, many suspects were kept at undisclosed locations till they were formally arrested.
Now, they are directly pushed inside the police lock-up after they are detained. Cops eagerly await results of Covid test so that they can finish the formal procedures of arrest and produce the accused in the court quickly.
“Earlier, suspects were kept in custody to make them sing as in major cases, we (cops) are not sure that court will grant custody for enough days to detect the crime. But the scenario has changed now. Without test, nobody wants to keep suspects in custody,” said a senior cop.
So far, 25 accused have tested positive of Covid-19. At the same time, 30 policemen, home guard, SRP and traffic jawans have also tested positive while an assistant sub inspector from Mahidharpura police station has passed away due to Covid-19.
If a suspect tests positive, he/she is first hospitalised and cops arrest him/ her only after discharge.
“Police are not arresting accused till Covid-19 test results are known. They are even avoiding prolonged questioning if the crime is already detected to avoid coming in close contact,” city police commissioner R B Brahmbhatt told TOI.
“Police have to be extra cautious and wear all protective gear while dealing with suspects. They have been instructed to avoid coming in close contact with suspects without knowing their health status,” Brahmbhatt added.