The new Director-General of Police Jaspal Singh has struck an instant chord in Goa by diving into the depths of issues that are very crucial to the State. He spelt out the need to make a dent in the top echelons of the drug network, which he said is run by “very, very intelligent people”. The DGP has given a brief overview of how drug cartels operate, and the level at which the police are required to intervene. He underscored the need to train personnel, and how the Goa police would require the assistance of central agencies. On another note, the proposal to induct choppers in the rescue of road accident victims was a brilliant idea that could go a long way in saving lives.
Singh is familiar with the contours of Goa having previously worked as an Assistant Superintendent of Police as well as Inspector General of Police and will find his experience helpful in understanding the pressing issues that are grappling the state. While tackling the drug menace has been a priority of every DGP, the drug lords and syndicates have always been a step ahead, thanks to the tacit support of powerful lobbies, the political class and the policemen themselves. Lest we forget, in 2010 five policemen were arrested for their alleged links with the drug mafia after a Swedish model spilt the beans on the internet following her stay in Goa. A House committee report then inducted Ravi Naik, his son and some police officers for allegedly having links with the drug mafia.
The new DGP has a challenging task before him in wiping off the drug tag associated with Goa. Contrary to Singh’s belief that Goa’s USP has changed over the years, drug circulation has only increased, and the enforcement is finding unfounded comfort because druglords have changed their game. Indeed they are “very, very, intelligent people”, and if our police have to stay ahead, they need to up their skills and also have their hands clean.
If the plan is to uproot the network, Singh will have a lot of mopping to do internally. To begin with, the police-politician nexus has to be dismantled. For this to happen, the new DGP will have to be given a free hand to work independently without political pulls and pressures. Charity begins at home, so goes the popular adage, and Singh must begin the clean-up from his force.
Successive DGPs, including Singh’s predecessor I D Shukla, have emphasized tackling drugs and crime, but to no avail. Shukla, while taking charge as DGP last November, had assured to make Goa drug-free and bring down the crime rate. While efforts have been made and Goa police have shown prowess in cracking crime cases in quick time, there have been critical issues that were left unresolved, including expanding CCTV surveillance and vigilance.
As Singh walks in, he has his task cut out. He has made an impressive start touching upon key issues, but actions speak louder than words, and it is to be seen how he executes his plans on the ground and wins the confidence of the people of Goa.
