PANAJI
In yet another instance where transferred policemen either fail to report to their new duty stations or are not relieved by their superiors, a head constable -- shunted to the Goa Reserve Police ‘B’ Coy hours after Anjuna police and NGO ARZ busted an international sex racket on September 8 -- has taken an extended leave.
Having managed to retain his posting at the police station despite previous transfers for over a decade or so, the police higher-ups this time directed his immediate relief. However, sources confirmed to The Goan, that the hawaldar has been on extended leave.
“He has not reported to the GRP or Colvale PS (where he was earlier transferred). Shortly after he was transferred, he went on a long leave...mostly for around a month and a half... Not sure if he will extend the leave,” the source revealed.
The department has also maintained a stoic silence over his alleged links in the sex racket, where he faces allegations of collecting protection money to allow the illegal operations in the northern coastal belt.
Two other constables at Calangute PS are too actively performing their duties in the coastal belt despite their transfers to Cuncolim and Fatorda PS, on September 7. In one of the transfer orders, Anil Pilgaonkar attached to the Anjuna police station, was transferred to the reserve camp in Altinho.
In the current case at Anjuna, the rescued youngsters from Kenya, lodged in the Protective Home for rehabilitation, have testified before a government panel expressing their wish to return to their country.
Sources disclosed that they also volunteered to cooperate with the investigation by identifying the person who connected them to accused Maria Dorcas alias Israelite and Wilkista Achista in Goa. Both are lodged in judicial lock-up, as they also face another case of overstaying under the Foreigners Act.
“The victim girls were deceived into the prostitution business, believing they would secure respectable jobs in the hospitality sector. Their strong educational backgrounds made them susceptible to this offer, given Goa's status as a tourist destination,” sources stated.
The government has approved their repatriation and rehabilitation subject to the successful completion of official formalities between the two countries.
ARZ Director Arun Pandey confirmed to The Goan that they contacted a local NGO in Kenya for assistance in rehabilitating these girls. As for their departure, the necessary paperwork is in progress. “Three of them plan to cover flight costs from their savings, while for the remaining two facing financial constraints, ARZ will arrange their travel tickets,” Pandey said.
Pandey further stated that his NGO will help the victims to lodge complaint in Kenya against the persons in that country who assisted the traffickers in Goa by luring them into the coastal State in the name of jobs.
