advertisement
With a view to maintain law and order and peace during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, Maharashtra government on Wednesday, 13 May, sought 20 companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), Home Minister Anil Deshmukh announced.
The coronavirus pandemic and resultant lockdown have seen the police forces stretched as they work in extremely challenging conditions for long hours of the day or night, the minister said.
"Ramzan Eid is also round the corner. We do not want the police to be overburdened any more than they already are," Deshmukh said on the move.
“Many personnel in Maharashtra Police have tested positive for COVID-19 and need time to rest and recuperate. Ramzan Eid is on 25 May when an augmented security presence will be required to ensure law and order is not disturbed,” Deshmukh said.
Accordingly, the state has sought 20 CAPF companies or around 2,000 personnel to be deployed in the state on an urgent basis.
Last week, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had indicated that the state government would seek central forces and even brought it up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his video-conference call this week.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)