Vizianagaram Police Deputy Superintendent J. Papa Rao succumbed to COVID-19 here in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Mr Papa Rao, 58, had had a fever for a week and was admitted to a private hospital for treatment. He then tested positive for COVID-19.
Hailing from the Sivarampuram village in Saravakota Mandal in the Srikakulam district, he is survived by his wife and two children, who are also being treated for COVID-19.
Vizianagaram Police Superintendent B. Rajakumari has approved of Papa Rao’s death and welcomed his services. She also urged police officers to take all possible precautions while performing their duties.
Family members, colleagues and officers at the Central Crime Station were shocked by the premature death of the senior officer.