Amid dipping reputation, Goa police moves to act against errant personnel

Panaji: Goa police is facing a severe challenge to maintain its reputation as a disciplined law enforcement institution. Over the past few months, police personnel have been involved in several alleged incidents, ranging from outraging the modesty of a woman to demanding money from complainants to asking for postings at lucrative positions.

“Clear-cut directions have been given to supervisory officers to tighten their supervision and stop police personnel from getting involved in any misconduct,” director general of police Alok Kumar told TOI. He added that if they don’t act and put things in order, action would be taken against them.

This week itself have seen two incidents of police misconduct come into the public domain, and action has been taken. “Whenever a case has been reported to us, we have taken action against the individual concerned. We have suspended them and initiated departmental action,” he said.

North Goa SP Rahul Gupta said on Tuesday that an inquiry has been initiated against the duty master of Valpoi police station for demanding money to post someone at an outpost. “An inquiry has been initiated in this matter. Based on the outcome, disciplinary action will be taken,” said Gupta.

On Sunday, a police head constable attached to Valpoi police station was placed under suspension with immediate effect following allegations of misconduct. The head constable, Rupesh Malik, allegedly demanded money from a complainant, claiming that he settled a case that was recently registered.

The North Goa SP issued a wireless message to place Malik under suspension.

In July, two police constables, under the influence of alcohol, allegedly outraged the modesty of a woman bouncer at a top Panaji pub. Both were suspended. The incident took place at night, when three constables attached to branches of the North Goa SP office, Porvorim, went to celebrate ‘Gatari Amavasya’ on the eve of the start of Shravan.

Over the past five years, Goa police have received complaints against over 200 police personnel for their involvement in alleged rape, corruption, eve-teasing, forgery, dacoity, murder, kidnapping, abetment to suicide, gambling activities, and misuse of staff cases, among others. In most cases, police registered an FIR against the personnel concerned and conducted an inquiry.

The complaints were filed against police personnel from the ranks of police inspector, police sub-inspectors, assistant sub-inspectors, head constables, and constables. Police said that various types of training are imparted to enhance effective policing and accountability of police personnel.