Bengaluru, June 23 (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Tuesday said COVID-19 related fatalities in the state were far less compared to other major states, as he called on people and front line corona warriors infected by the virus not to lose courage.

The Chief Minister made the statement following the alleged suicide of a constable attached with the Karnataka State Reserve Police after he tested positive for COVID-19.

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"The total number of COVID related deaths in the state is very less compared to other major states. There is no reason for any infected citizen or government employees to lose courage.

The government is always with you," a tweet on the Chief Minister's official twitter handle said.

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Of the total of 14,011 deaths reported so far, Maharashtra accounted for the highest with 6,283 fatalities, followed by Delhi with 2,233, Gujarat with 1,684 and Tamil Nadu with 794.

Acknowledging that police form the frontline of corona warriors and were working putting their lives at stake, he said a special COVID testing center is being set up for them and all measures will be taken to provide the best treatment for those infected.

As of June 22 evening, cumulatively 9,399 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed in the state,which includes 142 deaths and 5,730 discharges.

The constable, aged about 50 years, was attached with the Karnataka State Reserve Police and was said to be depressed after getting tested positive for COVID-19, sources said.

Expressing condolence over his death, another tweet on the Chief Minister's handle said he has directed officials to to provide all necessary compensation and facilities to the family of the deceased at the earliest.

Bengaluru has in the last few days has seen a spike in the number of police personnel getting infected by the virus.

At least 74 of them have tested positive in the city and are undergoing treatment, while three have died so far, official sources said.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)