City cops probing fire themselves call in sick

Mumbai: The irony in the Deonar dumping ground fire probe is that the investigating officers have themselves taken ill. More than three dozen cops from Shivaji Nagar, Deonar, Govandi and Mankhurd have reported sick, complaining of breathlessness and uneasiness.
The city’s eastern parts have been engulfed in a blanket of smog since the previous Thursday due to the Deonar dumping ground blaze. Several residents of adjoining areas have complained of uneasiness and breathing problems since that day.
Ten policemen from Shivaji Nagar police station, six from Deonar and five from Mankhurd, for instance, have cited health reasons for their absence. The one who has been the most seriously affected is deputy commissioner of police (Zone VI) Sangramsingh Nishandar, who has gone on a 10-day sick leave.
While Nishandar’s cellphone was switched off and he remained unavailable for comment, sources said he has a throat infection that needs to be operated upon. Senior officials from the police headquarters said that since the past three days, Nishandar was unable to even speak to his seniors and was conversing through texts and WhatsApp.
An officer added that since a week, he himself has been visiting the Deonar dumping ground with Shivaji Nagar officers. Another added that now police, BMC and fire officials who visit the dumping ground have been advised by the state health department to wear proper masks.