CRPF ASI Padmeswar Das is on leave at his home in Assam but he is not off-duty as he prepares ration packets, using his savings, for the poor in his village who are worst hit by the coronavirus lockdown.
The 48-year-old trooper, whose unit is deployed in south Kashmir's terrorist violence-hit Shopian district, is helping those affected by the lockdown in his tiny village of Chatanguri, about 76 kms from the district headquarters of Morigaon district.
Moved by the plight of the distressed, Das discussed with his mother and wife about the possible help they could extend and they enthusiastically joined him in the endeavour.
"I came home for my scheduled leave on March 3 and by the time I was supposed to return, the lockdown was declared in the country. My unit based in Kashmir valley also sent in a message asking me to stay put and not return."