PANAJI
The State government on Wednesday withdrew responsibilities from the Deputy Inspector General of Police A Koan, who was assigned Crime and Range, instructing him to report to the Director General of Police, Jaspal Singh, immediately. An order issued by the Department of Personnel however does not cite any reason for this decision.
“The charge held by Dr A Koan, IPS as DIGP (Range) is hereby withdrawn. Dr Koan, IPS shall report to the Director General of Police, Goa with immediate effect,” reads the order signed by Under Secretary (Personnel-II) Nathine Araujo.
The development came a day after a senior IPS officer faced charges of misbehaving with a female at a nightclub situated in Baga. The victim, reportedly a tourist, was partying with her friends when the just-transferred officer made the unexpected move.
Known for frequenting party hubs in coastal villages, particularly during weekends, the officer is accused of forcefully holding the woman’s hand and attempting to persuade her to accompany him to a room within the club premises. In response, the woman slapped the officer and abused him.
“After he was done with dining and dancing, the officer in a highly intoxicated state grabbed the female
inviting her to join him in a room but she confronted him and slapped him hard. The club staff and others intervened to prevent the situation from escalating,” the source revealed to The Goan.
It is reliably learnt that certain officers at the police headquarters, as well as Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, have viewed the videos with the CM expressing utter disappointment with this episode. “It has given a bad name to the elite force. The issue will damage Goa’s reputation on the law and order front at a time when the government is boasting of professionalism by the police,” a Secretariate source told The Goan.
Another video that has gained viral attention has captured the ‘heavily intoxicated’ officer, wearing a hat, walking unsteadily through a passage in one of the party premises. He is seen carrying a bottle, purportedly a liquor bottle, as another man is assisting him in maintaining his balance.
Sources further said that not just this officer alone but a few others have been regular visitors of late-night parties where Russian girls and bikini/strip dance attract clients. The recent embarrassment has refrained the department from making any official comment on the matter. Some however claim that selective uniformed men have evidence/ witnesses to substantiate regular visits of high-ranking officers to these establishments.
“The CCTV footage will reveal... some officials are under compulsion to accompany their bosses to these parties where official vehicles are also taken,” the source stated.
A notorious impersonator, having a string of criminal activities, is also said to have close links with the department. This ‘high-profile’ impersonator is known to operate a renowned beachside club.
The Goan spoke to activist Kashinath Shetye regarding the issue to which he lamented that the disciplined force’s credibility has come under question with such actions.
