PANJIM: Goa Police could find itself in an awkward position and even face the ire of Election Commission of India (ECI) for not being entirely clear regarding the transfers within the department during the period of the election code that came into force from January 8, 2022.
Earlier this month, RTI crusade and TMC spokesperson Saket Gokhale had lodged a complaint with the ECI over the transfers of 114 police officials on January 8 claiming it was executed without obtaining the ECI’s sanction. The allegation was denied by Director General of Police I D Shukla who referred to a wireless message regarding the transfers that was sent out on January 7, the eve of the announcement of model code of conduct.
That defence now stands questioned as information availed under the RTI clearly says “No record available” of the wireless message.
Complainant and RTI applicant Saket Gokhale has released the RTI reply that claims this. To one of his questions that read “Please state the time duration during which transfer orders were given to 114 Police personnel of Goa Police vide wireless on 07/01/2022”, the answer from Deputy Superintendent of Police (Com.)/Public Information Officer (PIO) stated, “No record available.”
Gokhale received the same reply to two other questions that sought transcript of the wireless communication and if these transfers were notified in writing and/or in the Gazette.
Gokhale tweeted, “Goa Govt appointing its favourite officers illegally in key constituencies hindered all opposition parties from campaigning as workers were harassed and detained,” uploading the RTI replies.
The RTI reply is a clear indication that no order was issued, because, as per Herald’s independent inquiry, a wireless communiqué is destroyed only after six months. In the present case, the order is barely two months old.
“The wireless documents were previously burnt after completing the duration. However, as per the new order, these papers are shredded and sent to Goa Printing Press for recycling purpose,” said a source.
Gokhale had alleged that the Goa government, in clear violation of the MCC, notified the transfer of the police officers, including 57 PSIs, 39 Police Inspectors (PIs), and 18 deputy SPs after the Code and had demanded action within 48 hours following which the ECI had sought for a compliance report from the Home Secretary.
During the campaign, the opposition parties had alleged they were falsely detained and harassed over code violation. They were even summoned to the police stations in certain cases.