PANAJI
Amid serious allegations of extortion within and outside the police department, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the launch of a mobile app where citizens, harassed by extortionists, report their complaints.
“I assure the people of Goa that my government will show Zero Tolerance to any form of extortion threats. My government will soon launch a mobile app so that such cases can be reported directly to the police and quick coercive action as per law can be initiated,” he said while tabling the 68-page Budget for the ensuing financial year.
The untitled app will facilitate complainants to use the platform to inform about any such incident.
The police department was recently dragged into the controversy when extortion by some of its officials from specialized units surfaced. In another shocker, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo accused “some persons” of demanding protection money from clubs and restaurant owners in the coastal belt. While the CM and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte insisted the MLA or the complainants disclose the accused’s identity and lodge a police complaint, the legislator claimed that the businessmen fear backlash from the extortionists.
Days after the allegation, Lobo said “the chapter is closed” as he briefed the CM about the issue.
