PANAJI
The transfer of two Special Branch (SB) personnel over allegations of bribery in passport verification triggered a confrontation with their superior as the duo questioned unequal treatment.
Official sources confirmed to The Goan that the two constables, transferred from the Panaji SB Centre to Vasco police station through an order dated November 11, questioned the decision, pointing out that two other personnel, who had faced an inquiry in a separate bribery allegation, were allowed to continue in the same unit.
The exchange reportedly turned bitter when the duo also traded accusations and blamed each other for the circumstances that led to the latest bribery complaint. However, sources said, the senior officer handed over the order signed by the Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) and relieved them from the SB immediately.
The transfer order covered 14 personnel, including three Police Sub-Inspectors, two Assistant Sub-Inspectors, one head constable, eight constables and an ASI driver.
The developments followed an inquiry into alleged corruption in passport verification, flagged via social media tagging the Chief Minister’s Office and Goa Police.
The citizen alleged that a personnel at its Panaji unit demanded Rs 2,000 to facilitate passport verification. The post elaborated that a resident had approached the unit to inform police that he would be temporarily unavailable at the permanent address mentioned in his passport application.
The personnel allegedly indicated that the verification would not be a problem if he paid Rs 2,000, all of which was exposed on X. Director General of Police Alok Kumar thereafter sought a report from the SB with the SP (SB) directing the inquiry officer to expedite the probe.
Sources said the report also examined personnel who allegedly failed to comply with transfer orders, continued at their existing postings or remained in the same unit for years without formal transfer orders.
