PANAJI
Two constables of the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), Rishikesh Mahale and Gangaram Mahale, have been suspended from service following their arrest in the alleged Ugvem“Pernem firing incident linked to illegal sand mining.
The suspension orders were issued by IRB Acting Commandant Santosh Desai, a day after Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar assured that the duo would be dismissed.
“Police personnel who have been caught in crimes till date have been sent home. These two will also be dismissed from service,” the DGP was quoted as saying.
The Pernem police had earlier arrested five persons, including the two constables, for their alleged involvement in the firing incident at Ugvem, which left two labourers injured.
The case triggered sharp criticism from political quarters, with opposition leaders expressing concern over the growing criminal nexus within the force. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao alleged that the BJP government’s failure to maintain control over the police has turned stations into “Gunda Gangs,” making it difficult to distinguish between honest officers and criminals. Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai, meanwhile, remarked that law and order in the State has collapsed “when policemen turn gunmen.”
