PANAJI
The Goa Police on Monday initiated an inquiry into a ‘bug’ in the Point of Sale (PoS) machines, which are being used by the Traffic Cells to issue e-challans to violators. However, what is particularly surprising is that it took the department four years to begin the process of rectifying this issue.
Director General of Police Jaspal Singh, while speaking to The Goan, conceded the possibility of a ‘software bug’ or ‘hardware malfunction’ in the device. He revealed that to delve into this matter, the National Informatics Centre (NIC) would be asked to investigate, before which his officials will inquire.
This revelation comes following an exposé by The Goan on August 27, which highlighted how the Automatic Android e-challan machines were logged into multiple devices at various locations, all at the same time.
While questions are raised regarding the functioning of the Calangute Traffic Cell, it has come to light that several Traffic Cells across Goa are using the same method to issue online (official) and “offline challans”. Sources said that the department has now tasked the Traffic Unit with investigating this issue as well.
These machines were procured during the tenure of former DGP Muktesh Chander, through a five-year contract with a bank that partnered with the technology provider shortly after which the device started being misused. However, the contractual obligations prevented the department from discontinuing the use of these devices.
“The vulnerabilities in the devices were identified after these were distributed to the respective Traffic Cells but the department chose to remain silent, as severing ties could have resulted in significant financial losses. This allowed many personnel to exploit the loopholes,” the police source said, wishing to remain anonymous, fearing departmental action.
As reported by The Goan, with multiple logins, personnel below the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) have been using the devices even though they are not authorised to issue challans. This practice is not restricted to Calangute alone.
“This has even enabled some officials from the rank of ASI and above to unlawfully pocket money while boasting of their performance on field duty. How can a policeman be present at different locations simultaneously? Had it been addressed earlier, the current loss to the government would not have continued,” lamented the source.
In the case of Calangute, an ASI’s login ID was found to be operational at four distinct locations when he was in fact not physically present at any of these places. Instead, the ASI was conducting traffic awareness lectures at a school around 10 km away. An inquiry that ensued after ex-SP Traffic Bossuet Silva’s order resulted in the issuance of a memo to the ASI.
