PANAJI
Although belated, the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) finally arrested one of the prime accused in the bribery case “ Police Inspector Videsh Pilgaonkar.
This case had already led to the arrests of two head constables, Sanjay Talkar and Raju Kalangutkar, with further arrests anticipated as another cop, presently posted at Porvorim police station, has also come under the radar.
Allegations of corruption surfaced against the Terekhol Coastal Security police after a sports operator Pruthvi H N complained to the ACB alleging that the PI and Talkar, coerced him into paying monthly bribes.
The PI was shunted to GRP with no action taken on this issue.
The Goan, in its April 18 edition, reported the PI’s apparent immunity despite the complaint identifying both Pilgaonkar and Talkar as demanding and accepting bribes.
The Sessions Court had also raised concerns about record manipulation at the police station during the PI’s tenure.
“During this encounter, PI Pilgaonkar insisted that I pay him a monthly bribe of Rs 10,000 to ensure the smooth operation of my adventure sports business. Initially resistant due to possessing all necessary permissions from the Tourism department, I was pressured by Head Constable Talkar, who threatened harassment and business closure if I did not comply. Eventually, I relented, agreeing to pay a negotiated bribe amount of Rs 8,000 per month,” the complainant alleged, based on which an FIR was registered.
