the goan I network
vasco
It’s not often that the transfer of a police inspector evokes bursting of crackers and anxious faces, depending on the impact and influence of the police inspector.
The transfer of Police Inspector Nolasco Raposo from the Vasco police station has been met with mixed reactions in the port town, with some section of youth rejoicing while some parents worried about the future of their youth.
After being posted to the Vasco police station in December 2016, Police Inspector (PI) Raposo began his first week by booking several cases of drinking in public places and causing public nuisance.
During his tenure of over two years, PI Raposo has ensured the booking of a staggering 6,000-odd cases under Section 34 and around 9,500 cases under the COTPA Act, sending out a strong warning to deter youth from drinking and consuming tobacco in public places.
According to sources, PI Raposo was also known to personally go out on patrolling rounds and his drive against open defecation and tenant verification also got him appreciation from various sections of the society and many credited him for the reduction of youth drinking in opens spaces at night.
“PI Raposo also went all out to clamp down on drugs and also booked several cases under the NDPS Act,” the source added.
Sources said several youth, who feared roaming out at night, celebrated the news of PI Raposo’s transfer by bursting crackers, the first of its kind reaction for any police inspector transferred from Vasco.
However, residents in areas like Bogmalo Beach and St Jacinto Island, where youth frequented till late night drinking with loud music, have expressed concern over PI Raposo’s transfer and fear that youth could return to cause nuisance at night.
“My teenaged son would return home by 10 pm and his friends were never seen out till late night for fear of action by Vasco police. It’s election time and there could be a chance that alcohol could be given to youth organizations.”
“We only hope that the new PI Nilesh Rane deputed to Vasco police station instils the same fear among the people, especially the youth. We hope that the youth do not take it granted that with PI Raposo’s transfer, it’s a party for them,” said one concerned parent on condition of anonymity.
“We have noticed that even beggars have reduced in Vasco and earlier, we would see a lot of them near the MMC complex or Railway station. It is not fair that we compare one police official with another, but we do hope that the new police inspector maintains the law and order in the port town,” the parent added.
