The Goa government has ordered a departmental inquiry into alleged lapses by the police during the demolition of illegal structures at Morjim, appointing Crime Branch Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta, an IPS officer, to lead the investigation.
The inquiry will examine allegations that police failed to provide adequate security arrangements as directed by the court during the demolition exercise. Authorities continued the demolition drive on Wednesday, with several illegal structures being razed while some property owners voluntarily removed their constructions.
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In addition to reviewing the security arrangements, the departmental probe will also investigate alleged shortcomings in the police inquiry into the assault of an advocate and his client during the demolition operations.
The development was placed before the Goa High Court on Wednesday during the hearing of the suo motu case concerning the Morjim demolition drive. A Division Bench comprising Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Hiten Venegavkar was informed that the state government had initiated the inquiry to ascertain whether there were any lapses on the part of the police.
The government also informed the court that crucial records, including dispatch diaries from the Sub-Divisional Police Officer’s office in Pernem, have been seized as part of the investigation.
The inquiry is expected to determine whether police officials complied with judicial directions and whether any disciplinary action is warranted based on its findings.
