Team Herald
PANJIM: In a disturbing turn of events, a head constable attached to Mapusa police station was found in a distressed state near the Atal Setu Bridge – his silent anguish speaking volumes. Alleging unrelenting harassment by a senior officer, the man had posted a desperate video online, claiming frustration and a sense of betrayal as his pleas
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
to higher authorities
went unanswered.
Shockingly, despite written assurances of confidentiality, the police department reportedly leaked the name of the head constable to the media, a move seen as yet another breach of trust.
The distressing message reached the office of the North Goa Superintendent of Police (SP), Porvorim, sparking an urgent search operation. Hours later, the cop was located at the Atal Setu Bridge, on the edge of despair. He was immediately rushed to Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), Bambolim, where he received medical care and counseling.
This is not the first time that the head constable has reached a breaking point. In an earlier episode, he reportedly attempted to end his life by slashing his veins.
In his video, the head constable accused a senior officer of relentless harassment, citing months of unfair treatment and lack of redressal. He alleged being confined to Porvorim’s reserve lines for months on end, a violation of clear guidelines that mandate rotational postings.
Sources within the police force, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that he was continuously posted on the reserve lines at Porvorim for months together despite there being clear cut guidelines that it should be done on rotational basis.
“The guidelines issued by the SP (Headquarters) Nelson Albuquerque clearly mandate the rotation of duty masters every six months. The duty masters however are never rotated and old faces turn up in same role despite there being clear cut guidelines,” said a top cop.
“There are cases that juniors are posted on better beat duties according to political influences. This happens more so in the coastal belt of North Goa district as the plum postings are most sought after by cops,” he added. The incident has put a spotlight on the culture of favoritism and neglect within the police department.
While the department has launched initiatives like the ‘Cops Care’ program — intended to address stress-related illnesses and improve the mental well-being of police personnel — many officers see it as little more than a façade.
“How can they claim to care when grievances like these are swept under the rug?” one officer questioned.
The ‘Cops Care’ initiative involves a short questionnaire. The program assures confidentiality stating “Please note that all information we receive from you will be kept safe and secure. Your identity will be kept confidential and your name will not be used in any way. Your participation in this study is voluntary and will help provide you with all necessary support. You may choose to withdraw anytime without providing a reason.”
Despite the assurances of confidentiality as detailed in the Cops Care programme, the police department reportedly leaked his name to the media.
The Mapusa SDPO Sandesh Chodankar has been directed to submit a detailed report within 48 hours, but for the head constable, much of the damage is already done. The police department in its defense claimed, that the said constable has corruption charges against him.
