MARGAO
With the Sonali Phogat case witnessing twists and turns and the drug angle coming forth during investigations, South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha on Tuesday demanded that police officers posted in coastal areas such as Candolim and Anjuna should not remain at one police station for more than a year to ensure they do not become partners in crime.
Addressing the media after handing over tri-scooters to the disabled persons under the MPLAD scheme at the South Goa Collectorate on Tuesday, Sardinha further demanded punishment for the police officers and arrests of politicians involved in drugs.
“It is surprising that the police officials did not know of drug peddling and use of drugs in their respective police station. It is high time that the police officers posted in areas such as Candolim and Anjuna should not remain at the police station beyond one year to ensure they do not become partners in crime”, he asserted.
He added: “Not only the police officers should be transferred out after one year, but the new officers should be warned of severe action. You think the police did not know what was happening when all others knew of the drug peddling and drug use. They must have closed their eyes because they get the share from the trade”.
The MP also advised the Chief Minister, Ministers and MLAs not to make statements without verifying the facts and medical and other reports.
Meanwhile, after handing over the tri-scooters to the differently abled persons, the MP sent an appeal to the newly-elected Sarpanchas to send their proposals to his office for funding under the MPLAD scheme.
“Many a proposal sent by the Panchayats to me under the MPLAD scheme may not have materialized because the Modi government had withdrawn the MPLAD funds for two years because of COVID. The Panchayats can now send the proposal so that at least one project in every village can be sanctioned under the scheme”, he added.
The MP congratulated Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao for his elevation to a Cardinal, saying the people of Goa are honoured by the decision.
Sardinha also wished the people of Goa on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi and prayed that the Lord will bring in goods news for the people reeling under inflation and price rise.
