Ten days after the horrific demolition of a residential house at Assagao, and the series of twists and turns that the script has taken, one is left baffled over the inconsistent pace of investigations and the gaping holes that are left in the process. This case is important, and one can sense that given the huge traction it got over the last week. What is now needed is a thorough probe not only on the demolition aspect but also on the role of the police, from the constable to the DGP Jaspal Singh. An in-depth investigation is necessary because this case has ramifications across the landscape of Goa.
Let us do a quick rewind on the sequence of events. On June 22, around 10-15 bouncers with a JCB in tow and under police protection managed to partly demolish the controversial Assagao structure. The exercise was halted twice midway after police intervened. After a public outcry and allegations of police being partners in this crime, three cops were suspended, including a police officer who was in charge of the operation. A couple of days later, the suspended PI trains guns on the DGP and, in an inquiry statement, submits that the DGP directed him to demolish the entire structure.
According to the statement, the DGP not only verified remotely that there were no occupants in the house but also directed police to bring the members of the family to the police station to facilitate the demolition. It is also alleged that the DGP was becoming a facilitator to those managing the demolition. The PI contended that there were repeated calls from the DGP to proceed with the demolition work and added that at one point he was even threatened with dire consequences.
As the “report” of the suspended PI sought to implicate the DGP, the entire focus shifted to the role of the police leadership and his team. Also in the spotlight was the link of the DGP to Pooja Sharma, the reported owner of the house. Interestingly, the PI has stood up to claim the authenticity of the contents in the report and has shot down the statements made by the DGP that the statement is “unsigned” and speculative. This is an unprecedented situation where an officer has directly aimed at the leadership, and should not be exclusively seen as a “revenge” statement. The timing may be questionable but the bravado of the officer must be admired.
There is every reason for Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to treat the charge against the DGP in all firmness because the case undermines the entire police force and completely erodes its credibility of being guardians of law. The CM should have at least shown urgency and relieved the DGP or asked him to go on long leave instead of allowing him the liberty to continue in office and fix loose ends. Although the State government has moved the Centre seeking transfer, it is still extending a long rope.
What about the probe? The CM has been speaking of a thorough probe, but the question is whether the Crime Branch which is controlled by the DGP can do justice to this case. Can the government, through the crime branch, assure of an impartial probe in a setup that is muddied in shady deals and corruption of high-ranking officers? If there are genuine efforts to restore the confidence of the common citizens then there should have been an independent time-bound inquiry by a retired judge, if not a probe by the CBI.
The government must take this issue very seriously because it highlights the connivance of the police force and the real estate lobbies at a time when Goans are fighting hard to save whatever is left of paradise. The case becomes a classic platform from where a cleansing operation can begin if Chief Minister Pramod Sawant is willing. There are individuals to be probed, there is evidence to be gathered and there are heads to roll. Is the government game for this?
