After Beed candidate’s death after 1,600m run, police shift recruitment tests to dawn and evening slots across Marathwada

Chhatrapati Sambhajingar: The nine police units across Marathwada's eight districts have revised the schedule for physical recruitment tests after a 26-year-old aspirant collapsed and died during the selection process in Beed on Wednesday. The tests, earlier held during the day, will now take place in two sessions (5am to 9am and 5pm to 8pm) at well-lit grounds.Police officers said only the 1,600-metre race, considered the toughest event, would be conducted during these hours to minimise risks such as sunstroke or dehydration.According to a senior police officer, the candidate appeared to have suffered dehydration during the ground test, which likely triggered a heart attack. "A detailed medical report is awaited," the officer said.Beed Superintendent of Police Navneet Kanwat said all necessary arrangements, including tents, drinking water, resting areas and medical teams, had been made for candidates. "After the unfortunate incident, we have shifted all ground events to the early morning and evening hours," he said.In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city, police commissioner Pravin Pawar said candidates were instructed to report by 4am, with the physical tests running from 5am to 11am. "The endurance run is being completed in the early hours to reduce exposure to harsh sunlight," he said.Similar changes have been implemented in Nanded, Dharashiv and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar rural, where reporting time has been fixed at 4 am, and tests continue till 11am. The rural unit in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has also arranged night stay facilities for candidates in view of the prevailing heat.