VALPOI
Allegations that migrant fishing workers arriving in Goa from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and other states were stopped at Chorla Ghat on Friday morning and asked to pay a bribe of Rs 25,000 have caused a stir in Sattari.
Valpoi Police, however, have denied the allegations, stating that there was no demand for a bribe. They said the bus was stopped to verify the workers’ identity cards and other documents and to complete the required police formalities.
According to sources, the incident allegedly occurred when a bus carrying more than 40 fishermen was travelling to Goa via Belagavi and Chorla Ghat.
With the fishing season under way, a large number of workers from other states are arriving in Goa to work on trawlers.
The workers alleged that a police personnel deployed along the highway stopped their bus before it reached the official check-post. They claimed that the personnel then demanded Rs 25,000 from them.
The workers informed their contractor in Panaji, who rushed to the spot. The workers claimed that the bus was held up for nearly an hour as discussions were held to resolve the issue.
Sources said the police personnel against whom the allegation was made had completed his duty at around 10 am and left the spot. Another police personnel who subsequently reported for duty held discussions with the contractor, following which the bus was allowed to proceed.
The alleged incident later circulated on social media, drawing reactions from the public.
Police deny allegations
Valpoi Police Inspector Videsh Pilgaonkar said the bus was not stopped to demand a bribe.
He said workers entering Goa from other states are required to undergo verification of their identity cards and other documents and complete the necessary police formalities. The bus was stopped as part of this process, he said.
However, the workers and some contractors have questioned why the bus was stopped before reaching the official check-post if the purpose was only to verify documents and complete formalities.
Demand for impartial inquiry
Locals have demanded an impartial inquiry into the incident.
They said a probe should establish whether a Rs 25,000 bribe was demanded, how long the bus was stopped, what transpired between the workers and police, and why the contractor had to rush to the spot.
They said that if the allegations are found to be false, the reputation of the police personnel concerned should not be unnecessarily damaged. However, if the allegations are found to be true, strict action should be taken against those responsible.
