New Delhi, May 2 (IANS): The total number of COVID-19 infected CRPF personnel has touched a worrying 122 across the country with 58 fresh positive cases being reported. With the test results of 110 still awaited, that number can spiral up.
The 31st Battalion is one of the largest concentrations of CRPF personnel. Ever since the first case of COVID-19 was reported from the battalion, the number seems to be skyrocketing, forcing the administration to entirely seal the battalion that is based out of Mayur Vihar, Phase three, next to Noida which itself is a red zone.
It is being speculated that the virus reached this huge concentration through a medical staff of the unit.
Out of the total, 121 are in Delhi, added the official. The 58 people were found positive in a late evening report received by the paramilitary force. These personnel belong to the 31st Battalion based in Mayur Vihar.
Most of these infected troopers are asymptomatic, the official said. All of them are admitted to an isolation facility of the Delhi government.
Earlier, twelve troopers of the Battalion tested positive on Friday. A 55-year-old Sub-Inspector of the 3.5-lakh strong paramilitary force had succumbed to corona infection on Tuesday.
The CRPF, the country's largest Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), is mandated for internal security duties and anti-Naxal and counter-terrorist operations, apart from rendering regular law and order duties.
The information came at a time when the deadly virus has already snuffed out 61 lives in the national capital, besides infecting a total 3,738 people.
With the result of 110 tests still awaited, the battalion is mentally prepared for more COVID cases to come out.