PANAJI
Shortly after Constable Vikas Kaushik was dismissed for ‘damaging the reputation’ of the Goa Police, a fresh incident of alleged misconduct has now surfaced involving two constables in what could possibly further leave the department red-faced.
The duo, which are reported to have been boasting about their ‘strong political backing’ are facing allegations of indulging in illegal trade in the northern coastal belt.
The Goan has reliably learnt that upon being informed about the incident through a written complaint, Deputy Inspector General of Police Aslam Khan instructed Superintendent of Police (North Goa) Nidhin Valsan to hold a detailed inquiry.
In a recent preliminary inquiry, the DIG instructed Calangute Police Inspector Paresh Naik to submit the CCTV footage from a beachside restaurant, because of which the entire controversy has cropped up.
Complainant Manoj Singh has alleged that his business partner illicitly converted the restaurant into a pub where illicit flesh trade is also being clandestinely carried out. In his complaint to the department, copy of which is available with The Goan, he further alleged that two constables, namely Akash and Sachin began harassing him over trivial matters and frequented the pub, availing drinks and other facilities without settling the bills.
“Initially, I brushed it off, but later they joined hands with my business partner. Thereafter, the trio not only entirely interfered in my business but also threatened me and my family of dire consequences, if I ever visited the pub,” he alleged.
Singh, who is himself embroiled in a criminal case, dismissed the accusations against him as false. “Sachin threatened to ruin me and file false complaints. He (Sachin) also disclosed that he and Akash share a 10 percent profit in the business with my former business partner,” he alleged.
The complaint further alleged that the two constables have been boasting of their decade-long tenure at the police station due to their influential political support.
Sources revealed that senior officers summoned PI Naik, as well as the two implicated constables, to record statements.
On being contacted by The Goan a senior police officer informed that an inquiry is underway. “We have received the complaint and an inquiry has commenced. I can’t say much since the inquiry is in progress. The complainant too has criminal antecedents. The inquiry will reveal the truth,” the officer said.
The fresh allegations come at a time when the department, in a swift move, dismissed disgraced Kaushik for conniving with criminals to commit thefts in North Goa.
