the goan I network
MAPUSA
Slamming the Goa Police for targeting riders without helmets, Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo on Wednesday said the entire police force has descended on every street in the State leaving police stations virtually empty.
“There are other crimes taking place but Goa Police top brass are more interested in issuing challans to people who are not wearing helmets. From a PI to a DySP, every police officer is standing on roads leaving the police station in the hands of constables,” a livid Lobo said.
Training his guns on the director general of police, the deputy speaker said Goa Police have suddenly become overenthusiastic when the CM was not in town.
“When CM is not in Goa and without his direction, the Goa Police is doing what they want. The CM is not aware that police stations are virtually empty and only two constables are manning the police station as most of the police officials are out on the roads waiting to penalize helmetless riders. This is wrong,” he said.
In the recent assembly session, Lobo had launched a tirade against the traffic sentinel scheme, DGP’s pet project, stating that the scheme was illegal and intruded the privacy of individuals.
He was backed by Aldona MLA Glen Ticlo and several members from the opposition.
The State too witnessed a hue and cry against the sentinel scheme which allowed civilians to click pictures of those flouting traffic rules, based upon which they were sent notices at home through post.
Quite a few traffic sentinels also came under attack from agitated locals around the State.
The deputy speaker said the police where well within their right to issue challans, but posting police on each and every street was unwarranted.
“We have seen for the last one week every police officer is standing on roads. It is very good that police are issuing the challan not sentinels. But don’t be so overenthusiastic that you remove all the police and post them on roads,” he said.
Lobo opined that helmets should be made mandatory on national and State highways but the rule should be relaxed in city areas where riding speed does not go beyond 30 kmh.
He also debunked police claim that accidental deaths have reduced because of wearing of helmets.
“Accidental deaths have decreased because of the work going on highways. Vehicles are moving at a slow speed in Guirim, Porvorim, Bambolim and up to the airport as road widening works are taking place,” he said.
