MARGAO: Goa Police suspended the two constables who had escorted rape accused Ramchandra who escaped from police custody on Friday a few hours after Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress President Pratima Coutinho demanded their suspension.
“There should be a very strong and clear message to police personnel that they have to be alert and agile while on duty and carelessness will not be tolerated and that is the reason why these two have to be suspended immediately,” Coutinho said.
Briefing media persons Pratima said women are not safe in Goa as their harassment by way of stalking, molestation and even rape is increasing every day and she accused the police of total failure in providing protection to women.
“It appears as if the police are here to provide facilities to criminals and even allow them to escape as this is the second rape accused to escape from police custody,” she said wondering whether the Home Department is on a vacation.
Pointing out that the victim was a British tourist, she said the Tourism Department should change their logo to “Sea, Sand and Rape” and said escaping from police custody creates fear in women for their safety and security.
She also demanded stringent law and said the law has to be amended to deny bail for hardened criminals accused of rape and murder. “Presently law enforcement appears to be a tool to target innocent and save hardcore elements,” she said.
