Team Herald
PANJIM: Constable Rajesh Salgaonkar from the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) has been suspended after an audio clip of him allegedly threatening to transfer senior officers and a colleague got leaked, teaching him the hard lesson that loose lips can sink careers.
In an ironic turn of events, he has now been sent to the very location he had threatened to transfer others to—Canacona IRBn camp.
The suspension order was issued by IRBn Commandant Sucheta Dessai following the controversy.
In the viral audio, Salgaonkar, who was posted in the sports section of Goa Police, was heard threatening a colleague, claiming that his sister had influential political connections, including with the Chief Minister and other Goa leaders. He boasted that if anyone troubled him at work, he could have them transferred to Canacona, which he claimed was assured by his sister.
Furthermore, Salgaonkar alleged that he and another staff member had transferred a Superintendent of Police (SP) and a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP). He also claimed to have been present when the Chief Minister discussed personnel matters, saying, "I was asked by the CM to stay calm, not to argue with any staff, and to work together."
The constable further stated, "I am from Assonora, and my sister has strong connections with political leaders in Sakhali." He also alleged that he had received orders regarding the DySP’s transfer to the sports section even before the official posting was made.
Following the suspension, Salgaonkar has been directed to report to the Canacona IRBn camp during his suspension period.