Tragedy Strikes Police Recruitment Drive in Bharuch
In a heartbreaking incident that has cast a shadow over the ongoing police recruitment process, a 25-year-old candidate from Kutch collapsed and died shortly after completing the crucial 5-kilometer running test in Bharuch on Thursday morning. The young aspirant, Ravirajsinh Jadeja, was participating in the physical examination for the positions of Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) and Lok Rakshak Dal (LRD) when tragedy struck.
Sudden Collapse After Meeting Qualification Standards
According to official reports, Jadeja successfully completed the demanding 5-km run in an impressive 21 minutes, well within the stipulated 25-minute limit required for qualification. His father later revealed that the determined candidate had practiced extensively in preparation for this crucial examination.
Immediately after crossing the finish line, Jadeja began experiencing severe breathlessness and respiratory distress. Medical teams stationed at the venue promptly provided initial treatment, but his condition deteriorated rapidly as he lost consciousness. He was rushed to Bharuch Civil Hospital for emergency care, where despite medical efforts, he succumbed to cardiac arrest during treatment.
Family Background and Previous Attempts
The tragedy carries additional poignancy given Jadeja's family connections to law enforcement. His father, Mahendrasinh, serves as an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) with the State Reserve Police (SRP) and is currently posted in Vadodara. Jadeja had been living with his father in the city and traveled specifically to Bharuch for the recruitment examination.
This was not Jadeja's first attempt at clearing the police physical test. He had previously appeared for a similar examination at the same ground during an earlier recruitment drive but had been unsuccessful in meeting the required standards that time.
Official Response and Medical Findings
Bharuch Superintendent of Police Akshayraj Makwana confirmed the details of the incident, stating that the post-mortem examination revealed evidence of cardiac blockage that likely contributed to the fatal outcome. The Bharuch police have registered an accidental death case and initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Enhanced Medical Measures Implemented
In response to this devastating incident, Bharuch police authorities have taken immediate preventive measures to enhance medical support at the recruitment venue. Starting from Friday, a specialized cardiologist-led medical team from Apex Cardiology Hospital in Bharuch will be stationed at the ground throughout the recruitment process.
"This enhanced medical presence will include a qualified cardiologist along with supporting medical staff," explained an official familiar with the arrangements. "Our objective is to ensure better preparedness for any medical emergencies that might arise during the physically demanding tests and to prevent similar tragic incidents in the future."
Ongoing Recruitment Drive Details
The current police recruitment drive commenced on January 21 and follows an extensive 44-day schedule at the Bharuch ground. Daily participation ranges between 800 to 1,200 candidates appearing for various physical tests as part of the selection process for multiple law enforcement positions.
The incident has raised important questions about medical screening and emergency preparedness during physically demanding recruitment processes, particularly for positions that require significant physical exertion as part of both the selection criteria and eventual job responsibilities.
