PANAJI
Amidst a flurry of disciplinary action against three police inspectors (PIs) for their gross negligence in handling cases of violence against women, the department is now rife with murmurs of discontent. Reason? Many are questioning the fairness of punishment meted out, though all three are facing the same allegations of “delaying the registration of FIRs.”
Last Saturday, the top brass displayed zero tolerance for sluggish response to such crimes by suspending Valpoi PI Prajyot Phadte, transferring Lady PI Sandhya Gupta and issuing show cause notice to Agassaim PI Vikram Naik. But why all are not dealt with in the same manner, has left many wondering if there was any transparency and accountability.
In addition, there are whispers of political meddling despite the department recently issuing a circular that it will be met with severe consequences.
As there’s a sense of uneasiness within the department, Phadte’s suspension incidentally came in after he purportedly had a fallout with his superior, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sagar Ekoskar.
Meanwhile, in a separate rape offense, PI Gupta received only a mild transfer despite turning back a rape victim on the pretext of taking her complaint after her exams. The officer’s approach to the matter eventually led to confusion between three police stations which led to Agassaim PI Vikram Naik getting a show cause notice. The Old Goa PI has been fortunate to escape his department’s ire even as child rights activists claim the FIR was allegedly registered much after the victim was finally taken to the PS.
The entire controversy surrounding the four police stations and the three PIs has fuelled growing discontent regarding the discriminatory action.
The Goan contacted Deputy Inspector General of Police A Koan, who issued the orders, to seek clarity on the buzz. He however refrained from elaborating on the matter stating, “These officers are facing action based on preliminary enquiry. A detailed enquiry is underway after action against each.”
Meanwhile, in an ironic twist to the FIRs saga, the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights had directed Goa Police to submit a report within five days of receiving their notice on the matter. The suspension, transfer and show cause notice orders emerged on the eve of the deadline.
