The intense heat and poor amenities eventually took a toll on them as they were made to run for five kilometres in the Vikhroli camp. The rigour of the tests landed several youths in the hospital with dehydration, and during treatment, five succumbed.

This is not the first time cops have had to go through an embarrassment during recruitment. In 2010, a 22-year-old hopeful had died in a stampede — this is the force touted to be next to the Scotland Yard. Taking lessons from that incident, the department took some cautionary steps, and most recruitment camps were seen with a shed and basic facilities thereon. Sadly, the value of a human life was seen to be so little again this year.

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Police officials say that since this is a recruitment test for a job with significant responsibilities, the exams are tough. What about the medical facilities in case of such emergencies? The least the officials could’ve done is to keep doctors on standby which they only realised much later.

Some officers who have been part of the recruitment process believe that if physical tests were to be conducted at their respective districts in coordination with the state police, it would be a lot easier for the staff to pick the desired candidates without losing a single life. It is now up to officials to decide what to do, but the process needs to be changed and made better.