The government, on Wednesday, withdrew the charge from Deputy Inspector General (Range) and directed him to report to the Director General of Police a day after a video went viral of him misbehaving with a lady at a nightclub in Baga. The video shows the officer misbehaving with a woman while dancing to the beats of music, and she reciprocating with a resounding slap, much to his surprise and embarrassment.
Another video clip shows the officer in an intoxicated condition with a bottle in his hand and barely managing to find his feet. A man is seen assisting the officer to keep his balance as he makes his way. It is undoubtedly a night gone bad for this top cop.
The issue came up in Wednesday's Assembly session with Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai raising concern over high-ranking officers going on a "drinking spree" and party-hopping while calling for the immediate suspension of this IPS officer.
While the government swiftly initiated action, the incident opened a pandora's box because police officers visiting nightclubs and engaging in "fun and frolic" and wading into "sinful territory" has been an open secret.
The video may have exposed one IPS officer, but there have been several unreported cases of high-ranking officers using their good offices to extract private favours, some even extending the privileges to their families.
Involving in nightclub parties, visiting dance bars, and often enjoying the luxuries of five stars by asserting their positions has been a norm that has been conveniently ignored in a "live-and-let-live" environment. In that context, the comment that this incident has brought the police force a bad name is either out of ignorance or because nobody has come forth with such revelations.
Nonetheless, it is only after such shameful incidents come to light that one tends to dig into the past and question how senior officers are allowed such "sinful" liberties when they have crucial responsibilities at hand. Is nobody watching? It is appalling that those entrusted with the job of cracking down on illegalities, dance bars, gambling and prostitution themselves become partners in such crimes.
Senior officers should lead by example and not set such immoral and low standards. It is horrifying to see guardians of law wobble and cross all barriers of decency in public life while citizens across the state fight their battles against crime and other evils. The million-dollar question of the chaos and disorder in the coastal belt finds a perfect answer here.
The conduct of IPS and IAS officers has been under the scanner, which is why the long-standing debate of Goa having its independent cadre of IAS officers, reignited in the ongoing Assembly session by Margao MLA Digambar Kamat and Nuvem MLA Aleixo Sequeira, needs to be taken forward.
Goa needs officers who understand the state and the issues faced, not those who exploit their positions and fail themselves and the force. It is an injustice to those who have been diligent in their work.
Sawant's action is welcome; however, he needs to be alive to such acts and send a message loud and clear to all officers that the government will have zero tolerance towards such disgraceful acts. Law keepers cannot be law breakers at night.
