An air of restlessness prevailed over Baina as a mini-bus drove in from Mumbai on Thursday with the six accused in the sensational Baina dacoity as a large crowd gathered, including students, politicians and Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar, waiting in anticipation. The Goa police department managed to crack this case within a week, a case that appeared challenging. The relentless work and the coordination with other states must be applauded, especially against the backdrop of vocal criticism over the rising crime rate and the general failures of law and order. The police took the case very seriously and indeed showed exemplary commitment and resolve.
The insider's link was instrumental in both the preparation phase and the commission of the crime. The work of the police, in which they even followed the trail of some break-in gadgets and masks worn during the robbery back to the suppliers in Maharashtra and Odisha, is a shining example of how different police agencies can work together effectively in various states. Just the number of arrests made within a few days in Maharashtra and Bengaluru indicates the situational readiness of the police force.
Credit should be given to the police for their quick and efficient work, thorough search, and recovery of the loot, which ranged from gold jewellery to silver articles and cash. Also, their forward-thinking measures, such as examining law enforcement strategies, increasing night-time visibility, and reinforcing community involvement, show that security levels have been raised.
However, what unfolded at Baina subsequently was in bad taste, and the success story of the men-in-khaki that unfolded very quickly got muddied in a political taint. Sankalp Amonkar’s felicitation had political undertones exhibiting optics and patronage. It would have been prudent if the police leadership had mediated and diffused this scenario for the simple reason that the cops have a lot of unfinished business.
While the Santa Cruz robbery has been cracked, the big case of Ganeshpuri dacoity in Mapusa and the Dona Paula case are still awaiting a breakthrough. There is no word on the recent foiled break-in attempt at a jewellery shop in Chaudi-Canacona. And there is much more. Goa has been grappling with serious crimes — gang wars, murders, robberies, assaults, etc. These are undoubtedly tough times for police who have been at the receiving end.
The cracking of the Baina case changes nothing for the larger Goa picture. Yes, there is relief for the family in question and also the residents of the area. But beyond that, this success does not translate into a blanket of security for the many citizens who are helpless and reside in fear that they could be the next target.
Police have a bounden duty to protect citizens and give them that sense of security and welfare. There can’t be felicitations for doing one’s job. Today, that feeling of security is lost, and with that, the confidence in policing. While there have been occasional success stories where police have cracked cases in quick time, very little has changed in terms of deterrents. Gangs are calling the shots, and policing has gone on the defensive. There is palpable fear across the State, and this is where we are. In this kind of situation, one does not expect celebrations.
The Goa police department deserves a pat on the back for their prompt and efficient work in the Baina dacoity case. But celebrating their triumph with great pomp and circumstance runs the risk of their hard work being overshadowed. The real celebration has to come when the crime rate goes down, when such dacoities become a thing of the past, and when peace and security returns.
