the goan I network
PANAJI
Following the two recent incidents of police brutality, Director General of Police Muktesh Chander on Friday cautioned his men against emulating the ‘reel cop’ in real time policing.
“Despite knowledge of the laws and rules some policemen behave in Singham style. That is the movie world. Don’t take it seriously. We are bound by law and there are institutions like courts, Human Rights Commission, vigilant media and public to supervise,” Dr Chander said while addressing the men-in-uniform at a workshop on behavioural aspects.
Held at the Gazetted Officer’s mess at Altinho, around 90 police personnel of different ranks were in attendance at the workshop,
Journalists were also allowed to witness the proceedings.
Dr Chander also advised the policemen on ‘anger management’ and suggested those having a problem to seek psychiatric help. He said that police inspectors in-charge of police stations will be held responsible if staff with short temper misbehave with the public.
The police department of late has come under severe attack from civil society after incidents in which an FC-Goa fan Lester D’Souza was thrashed and in another case a local sailor was beaten up by five police personnel attached to the Cuncolim police station.
Chander admitted at the workshop that these two recent cases of policemen behaving inappropriately with civilians have tarnished the image of the police force. Cautioning that misconduct will not be tolerated, the DGP urged his men to deal with agitated people by remaining within the framework of law.
If any such act is committed by a policeman, a criminal case will be registered under the law followed by suspension, Chander warned.
The DGP also cautioned inquiry officers not to be lenient with police personnel involved in such incidents and asked them to submit status reports of pending inquiries every Monday.
“No delay will be tolerated. These departmental inquires cannot become an eyewash,” Chander said.
DGP made it clear that any kind of pressure to suppress the cases will not be entertained.
