Covid-19 claims two more cops, taking Maharashtra toll to 52

MUMBAI/KALYAN: A 55-year-old senior inspector of Kashimira traffic police and a 45-year-old Manpada constable have died of Covid-19.
The inspector was at the forefront of handling the migrant exodus during lockdown. He and his wife were admitted to SevenHills hospital (Andheri) a week back. His condition worsened on Monday. This is the first death of a cop due to Covid-19 in Mira-Bhayander and with these two deaths the state toll has touched 52. He was a familiar face at Ghodbunder Road junction on Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway, when migrants walked to home states. Colleagues recalled how he played a key role in dissuading migrants from walking. He had convinced many to return home or to camps here and await a government order on train or road travel.
The constable died in Dombivli on Monday before he could get admitted to a Covid-19 hospital. His test report came on Tuesday. He is the third to die of Covid-19, while over 200 have been infected in Thane commissionerate, of which 25 are in Kalyan. He is survived by his wife and two school-going children. Colleagues said he went on leave after complaining of fever on June 18. On June 22, when he had a problem breathing, his family took him to a Kalyan hospital and he was tested.