PANAJI: Congress MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira on Tuesday raised allegations of corruption and irregularities, questioning how the government proposes to improve law and order when there is an alleged “rot from within” the system.
Speaking during the Assembly session, Ferreira cited several alleged instances of misconduct and urged the government to take action against those involved.
Ferreira alleged that a head clerk in the DE section was misusing his position by allegedly asking people involved in cases to purchase two LIC policies from his wife in return for getting their cases closed.
He also alleged that an LDC attached to the Special Recruitment Cell was involved in a “cash-for-jobs” racket and was allegedly collecting money from candidates seeking Home Guard jobs. Ferreira claimed that the official had acquired a Tata Aria car and urged the government to verify the allegation.
Ferreira said he would provide the names of the officials privately rather than name them on the floor of the House.
He also raised the issue of a police constable, Gauresh Naik from Valpoi, whom he alleged had disproportionate assets. Ferreira said he had already submitted evidence but questioned why the official had not been suspended.
Referring to Colvale Jail, Ferreira alleged that it had become a centre for several criminal activities. He pointed out that a Home Guard who was allegedly caught in connection with such activities had been suspended and arrested, but questioned why another police personnel, identified as Suhas Ulhas Madkaikar, PC No. 9676, had not been arrested despite an FIR being registered against him.
“If you are sincere in doing your activities to eradicate crime, how do you improve it if you have a rot inside your system?” Ferreira asked.
Responding to the allegations, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said an inquiry would be initiated into the cases raised by Ferreira.
Sawant said that anyone found to be involved would be suspended and that action would be taken within three days. He also said he would issue instructions to the Director General of Police (DGP).
The Chief Minister further said that arrests would be made wherever required, in accordance with the law.
