In a tragic incident that has cast a shadow over police recruitment drives in Gujarat, a 27-year-old aspirant died while taking a running test in Godhra on Friday. This marks the second such fatality within two days, following another death in Bharuch, raising concerns about the physical demands and safety protocols during these selection processes.
Second Tragedy Strikes Gujarat Police Recruitment
The deceased has been identified as Jaspal Rathwa, a resident of Koliyari village in Pavi Jetpur taluka of Chhotaudepur district. Jaspal had traveled to Godhra to participate in the state police constable recruitment drive and was temporarily staying in Gandhinagar to prepare for the selection tests.
Details of the Incident
According to sources, Jaspal and his father, Dashrath Rathwa, reached Godhra on Thursday night. On Friday morning, Jaspal entered the SRP Ground for the running test, while his father waited outside. During the test, Jaspal collapsed and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
Dashrath Rathwa, devastated by the loss, expressed his grief, stating, "I was hoping my son would get recruited in the police. Instead, my world has come crashing down." The family had pinned their hopes on Jaspal's aspiration to don the police uniform, making the incident even more heartbreaking.
Previous Incident in Bharuch
This tragedy comes just a day after another police recruitment aspirant, 25-year-old Ravirajsinh Jadeja from Kutch, died of a suspected cardiac arrest in Bharuch. Ravirajsinh had completed the running test shortly before collapsing, highlighting a pattern of health-related incidents during these physically demanding assessments.
Concerns Over Recruitment Safety
The back-to-back deaths have sparked discussions about the rigorous nature of police recruitment tests and the need for enhanced medical supervision. Key points of concern include:
- Physical Strain: The running test, a crucial part of the selection process, may impose excessive strain on aspirants, especially those with underlying health conditions.
- Medical Preparedness: Questions are being raised about the availability of immediate medical assistance and emergency protocols at recruitment venues.
- Aspirant Health Screening: There is a growing call for pre-test health check-ups to identify and mitigate risks for participants.
These incidents underscore the challenges faced by young individuals striving for government jobs in India, where competition is fierce and the physical demands are high. The Gujarat police department is likely to face scrutiny over its recruitment procedures in the wake of these tragedies.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of future aspirants while maintaining the integrity of the selection process. The families of both Jaspal Rathwa and Ravirajsinh Jadeja are left mourning the loss of their loved ones, whose dreams of serving in the police force were cut short.
