PANJIM: It’s quite a record this, Goa’s ‘illustrious’ cops have made history. Top police officers in Goa have been asked to surprise checks on Goa cops who do drugs and drink inside police stations. And where in the police stations do they do this?
-Loo and behold, in
the toilets.
A confidential note, approved by the Director General of Police (DGP), has brought to light the disturbing trend of police officers indulging in alcohol, drugs, and even gambling within the premises of police stations and restrooms.
Reports have surfaced, revealing an alarming increase in alcohol and drug addiction among police officials
“It has been reported that nowadays there is an increase in the number of alcohol and drug addicts among the police officials, thus spoiling their physical as well as mental health. The police stations/units and rest rooms have become such places that officers as well as lower staff consume alcohol and other drugs on duty and gambling is also a part of activities in police stations/units premises,” the note of Goa Police states that has been sent across all the units.
The internal communication mandates all in-charge officers of police stations and units to compile a list of officials involved in such activities and submit it to their superintendents for necessary action.
“Therefore, all the I/Cs of police stations/units make a list of such officials and submit to their SPs for taking necessary action in the matter,” the confidential note states.
The SPs of both the districts and units are directed to conduct surprise inspections monthly to identify and penalise the personnel addicted to these vices while on duty.
This revelation is particularly concerning for Goa, a State heavily reliant on tourism. The presence of impaired and compromised police officers poses a significant risk to the safety and security of both residents and tourists. The image of police officials engaging in illicit activities within their own stations raises questions about the overall integrity and functionality of the force.
Tourists and locals alike expect a secure environment where law enforcement acts as a pillar of support and safety.
“The implementation of strict disciplinary actions and rehabilitation programs is essential to restore faith in the system. As Goa continues to welcome visitors from around the globe, ensuring a robust and trustworthy police force is imperative to maintaining its status as a premier tourist destination,” said a retired police officer.
Bossuet Silva recently retired officer of Goa Police as SP said, “As regards the note issued by office of SP HQ, which has gone viral on social media platform, sincere disciplinary action against the defaulters is required as a follow up to the note wherever instances of violation are reported by inspecting officers.”
He said, “I recollect that about 15 years back when I was SDPO there used to be an action against defaulters on erring police officers/personnel.”
A report sent by him and other inspecting officers that time the then District SPs had immediately issued disciplinary action. “However, off late whenever disciplinary action is instituted, the defaulters are left off with minor penalties which are set off after appeal,” Silva said.
This has consequently resulted in incidents like the recent incident like Assagao, incident like eviction at Arambol, Pernem, wherein no action was initiated against the errant officials, Silva mentioned.
“Only decisive action by the department against errant officials will reform the commitment to uphold the law with honour and integrity, which in turn will safeguard the image of Goa Police and the State,” he stated.
Jack Sukhija, President of TTAG, while reacting to the note of Goa Police, said that Goa is one of the safest places in India and it’s good at least they recognised and are dealing with it.
“I don’ want to comment further,” he added.