Gujarat Health Department Under Fire After CRPF Constable’s Suspected Dengue Death

GANDHINAGAR: A CRPF constable’s death from suspected dengue has raised serious questions about Gujarat’s public health preparedness, mosquito control measures and the safety of thousands of security personnel housed in Gandhinagar for National Unity Day rehearsals. Despite claims of intensive preventive action, the death has put the state’s health machinery under scrutiny.

Constable Amal Rammohan Barman of the CRPF’s CoBRA Battalion died at Gandhinagar Civil Hospital on October 7, 2026, while undergoing treatment. He had been admitted on the night of October 5 after reportedly developing symptoms consistent with dengue.

Barman was among approximately 5,500 personnel participating in regular parade rehearsals at the GIFT City ground since September 21. The personnel include members of Central Armed Police Forces, state contingents, band units and other ceremonial teams preparing for the October 31 National Unity Day parade at Ekta Nagar.

Dengue Symptoms Reported in September

The incident raises concerns about whether preventive measures were sufficient after fever and suspected dengue symptoms emerged among some personnel around September 26.

The Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation’s Health Department says it launched mosquito-control operations, including inspections, fogging, anti-larval treatment and cleaning drives in Sectors 28 and 29 and at the parade ground.

Officials also said mosquito nets were supplied to personnel and repellent devices installed in their rooms.

However, Barman’s death has brought the effectiveness of these measures into focus. The circumstances surrounding his illness and death require a clear account of the suspected infection, medical response and preventive steps taken at the accommodation sites.

Police Chief Reviews Arrangements

State Police Chief Gyanendrasingh Malik visited Gandhinagar Civil Hospital and the residential quarters in Sectors 28 and 29 after learning about the incident.

He reviewed the situation and instructed officials to ensure that personnel faced no shortcomings in healthcare, safety or basic amenities.

The administration said the accommodation facilities have clean drinking water, meals, sanitation and first-aid support. Medical teams and ambulances are also deployed at the GIFT City ground during rehearsals.

Questions Over Health Safeguards

A joint medical team comprising Gujarat Police, the BSF and the municipal corporation is monitoring the situation. Separate medical supervision and treatment arrangements have also been made for personnel reporting fever or cold symptoms.

Yet, the key question remains: were the preventive measures and medical safeguards adequate after symptoms first appeared in late September?

The death of a serving security personnel warrants a transparent review of mosquito surveillance, testing, treatment timelines and infection-control measures.

The authorities have outlined the steps taken, but have not provided enough information to establish whether Barman’s death was confirmed to be caused by dengue or whether any lapse occurred.

With thousands of personnel preparing for a major national event, the priority must be to establish the facts, strengthen disease surveillance and ensure that no further lives are put at risk.