While interrogating suspects, cops use common third degree tactics. First, an aggressive cop starts threatening, rough talking etc. When the suspect is totally stressed, the good cop walks in, all sweet talking, offering a cup of tea etc. and the suspect is mollified. Of course, in India, it is mostly a thrashing that is resorted to.
Recently, cops arrested a group of youth sitting quietly at the Panjim Church. They were taken to a remote police station by cops who did not have any identification. Even plainclothes policemen must identify themselves at the time of making an arrest. At Melauli, they lathi-charged women and other protesters as if they were rioters.
On the flip side, a top policeman visited the Pilar Fathers ‘praising’ their work and urging them to spread the message of brotherhood.
The police, he said, had the best interest of all the people and want to maintain peace and harmony.
