The two separate cases of Police Inspectors Paresh Naik and Prashal Desai being made scapegoats cast a shadow of doubt on the sincerity of the government in protecting the people and delivering justice. Those police officers who are working honestly are either transferred or suspended by the higher echelons of the police and the government for doing their duty as per their mandate to control crime and maintain law and order. Instead of applauding and appreciating their work, the government authorities are recommending suspension or transfers.
The police force of a state must gain credibility so that the locals trust it for justice. Honest and able officers have also been transferred regularly for trying to uphold the law. This is the nature of the game. Politicians consider it good governance. In the present situation, the pressing need of the hour is to protect honest officers at any cost so that they can execute their duties properly. A sincere and duty-conscious police officer who has not been charged with dereliction of duty or any other offence earlier should not be penalised. Such actions will demoralise the spirit of the police force. It has become imperative to provide security to ensure that they are not continually harassed through endless transfers or suspensions in their careers.
