In what can be called a true warrior’s death, Debdatta Roy, a 38-year old deputy magistrate in West Bengal died due to COVID-19 on Monday, the first senior government official to have succumbed to the infection in the state, a health department official said.
Working on the frontlines of West Bengal’s fight against coronavirus reported COVID-like symptoms earlier in the month and was advised to quarantine at home which was in the Dum Dum area of north Kolkata.
She developed severe respiratory distress on and was rushed to Shramjibi Hospital in Serampore, where she lost the battle against COVID-19 the next morning.
A 2011 batch WBCS executive officer, Roy had worked as a Block Development Officer in Purulia. She was then appointed Chandannagar deputy magistrate. As migrants started returning to the state amid the pandemic, she was in charge of a special quarantine Centre in Dankuni.
West Bengal residents reacted sharply at the death of a young bureaucrat. Ray is the first senior civil servant in the state to die of the coronavirus disease.
Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee offered her condolences and applauded her for the sensible handling of the situation in the posted area and her contribution to the state in combating the ongoing pandemic.
On Monday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences via Twitter, saying, “Grieved to hear about the untimely passing away of Debdutta Ray… A young WBCS (EXE Officer), she was at the forefront, fighting the pandemic and displayed outstanding devotion in the discharge of her duties. I, on behalf of the Govt of West Bengal, salute her spirit & the sacrifice she’s made in service of the people of #Bengal. Spoke to her husband today & extended my deepest condolences. May the departed soul rest in peace & lord give her family strength to endure this loss.”
Grieved to hear about the untimely passing away of Debdatta Ray, who was posted as Deputy Magistrate & Deputy Collector in Chandannagar. A young WBCS (Exe) Officer, she was at the forefront fighting the pandemic & displayed outstanding devotion in discharge of her duties. (1/2)
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 13, 2020
Colleagues and her juniors are shocked at her demise. Widely known as a happy person who wouldn’t hesitate to make a cup of tea for everyone, Roy was known for her work ethics.
She leaves behind a husband and a four-year-old son.
