Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissioner of Police RP Sharma on Thursday visited the Reserve Police Barrack here and took stock of the jaundice situation where policemen have been afflicted by the deadly water-borne virus.
The Commissioner accompanied by city DCP Satyabrata Bhoi and many senior officials visited several parts of the barrack, including the waters sources and staff quarters and later told mediapersons that 40 police personnel have been afflicted by jaundice.
“Since January till date, 40 policemen have been detected jaundice positive including 16 traffic police personnel. Of the 40, five have been cured and have joined their duties. The other affected cops are undergoing treatment at various stages and are on leave,” said the CP.
The Commissioner said, “Initially, we suspected that one of tube-wells in the barrack was responsible for the spread of jaundice and we arranged supply of water to meet the demands of the police personnel. But the supply water also solves no purpose.”
While jaundice has triggered panic in Sambalpur and Cuttack cities, the virus has gripped the State capital where policemen have been afflicted.
According to information, nearly 600 jawans are presently staying at the Reserve Police Barrack. Besides, 1,500 officers, Havildars and Constables are also staying in separate quarters in its premises.
To meet the drinking water requirement, there are over 50 overhead water tanks in these quarters and more than 15 sumps inside the barrack.
It is suspected that the policemen have been afflicted by the disease by using the water from these water tanks and sumps which have not been cleaned for long time. Meanwhile, the Public Health Department has begun cleaning of the water tanks and sumps, reports said.