PANJIM: Expressing dismay at the proposal to elevate former Transport director Arun Desai to the post of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Advocate Aires Rodrigues said no such move should be considered.
“Colvale jail and not the IAS cadre should be the next destination for an officer who has so well excelled and distinguished himself in the art and finesse of corruption,” said Rodrigues.
He alleged that the Desai was the mastermind in the RTO bribery case and is no novice to corruption.
Pointing out that all other officers are frequently tossed around, Rodrigues questioned how Desai managed to remain firmly saddled on the treasure throne as the Director of Transport for over five long years, only to be transferred out this week after a written note moved by the Anti-Corruption Branch.
He further stated that Vigilance Director Amarsen Rane and Superintendent of Police Bosco George heading the Anti-Corruption Branch in the Vigilance department along with their teams were competent and conscientious officers but lacked the power and freedom to function independently.
He added that the Vigilance department needed the government’s approval for everything, including the registering of a preliminary inquiry against an erring official.
“The BJP has in fact been misusing the Vigilance department only to target and silence voices of political dissent,” said Rodrigues.
