While India deals with a harrowing COVID-19 surge spiralling
out of control, acts of kindness by various individuals are not going unnoticed
in the cyberspace. A similar act was thoroughly appreciated by both Delhi
Police and netizens on Thursday. Delhi Police’s ASI Rakesh Sharma, who
has, till date, cremated close to 1,100 bodies of COVID-19 patients, was introduced
by their official Twitter handle.

“ASI Rakesh 56yr old, father of 3, lives in PS Nizamuddin
barrack. On duty at Lodi Road crematorium since 13 Apr, has helped over 1100
last rites, himself lit pyre for over 50. Postponed daughter’s marriage due
yesterday to attend to #covid duties”, Delhi Police captioned the tweet.

The clip, significantly, did not go unnoticed, with Delhi Police
Commissioner SN Shrivastava lauding Kumar’s actions over the months, observing
him to be a ‘real hero’.

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“COVID time has thrown up some real heroes. ASI Rakesh
deserves highest degree of praise and encouragement. In fact it is men like him
who keep the society going. Something that many need to learn”, Shrivastava
said.

Twitter users appreciated his contribution, with some
even demanding he be given a raise from his current designation.

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“Sir if possible pls promote him to SI from ASI. I hope it’s
already on the cards. If not pls consider, if possible”, wrote one user.

Meanwhile, others pointed out that recognition should be
given to another constable seen assisting Sharma in the video, whose identity
has not been revealed.

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“The second police personnel coming behind and assisting ASI Rakesh may also be given due equal
recognition. Contribution of both are same”, said the user.