TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: The Goa police is in the line of fire after it carried out a massive transfer of lower rank officers even as the Election Commission had ordered to do so.
The reshuffle comes with just 23 days left for the Goa assembly elections on March 3.
Such a large number of transfers have raised some eyebrows as, unconfirmed report indicate that the department had sought for the transfers.
Almost all the transferred police personnel – 84 sub inspectors, 108 assistant sub inspectors and 498 head constables – have been relocated at police stations too far away from their current place of posting.
For example, the transfers are from Curchorem police station to Agassiam police station, Panjim PS to Harbour PS, Canacona PS to Panjim PS, Vasco PS to Old Goa PS, Bicholim PS to Colva PS, Bicholim PS to Verna PS and more.
Ironically, among the set of transfers, few of them have been transferred within a short distance away from the current place of posting.
No sooner the transfers order was issued, some of them were seen discussing their fate in hushed tones.
“Nobody considered that many policemen have families… More so, we have our children who will shortly appear for final exams and board exams,” said an upset constable.
The transfers have added to the misery as many police stations are short staffed as the officers are allotted to election flying squads without proper substitutes.
“Many police officers, especially sub inspectors have been sent for election duty and the police stations are registering several offences including grave crimes. And now, the fresh transfers will hamper investigations,” said a sub inspector.
There have been further allegations that some of the officials postings have been retained keeping in mind their proximity to the political bosses.
“The transfers are absolutely not far. Those who work long hours will have to slog further. The travel to the distant new postings will add to the 16-hours of daily work,” said another.
