Team Herald
PANJIM: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has strongly criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Goa, alleging that it has completely lost control over law and order in the state. The Congress questioned whether incidents such as the Bicholim police cash misappropriation case, the Colvale jail controversy, and a recent murder at a beach do not indicate the failure of the Home Department.
Referring to the misappropriation of cash at Bicholim police station, the Congress accused the government of losing its grip on law enforcement and policing in the state. Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira alleged that there was an attempt to cover up the incident by asking the accused to return the money.
“I want the police to come clean on this. There were attempts to shield her. Even after the case was known, she was only suspended today,” Ferreira said. He further asserted that the involvement of a lady police constable (LPC) in such a case was a clear sign of corruption and that she was unfit to serve in the police force.
Questioning the integrity of the police, Ferreira remarked, “The accused police personnel are unfit to be in the force. I want the government to come clean on this, and this is an answer that must be provided by the Chief Minister, who is also the Home Minister. This is a clear sign of corruption and dishonesty in the system.”
He further demanded stronger action against those responsible. “These are the people who should be sent home and not merely suspended,” he stated.
Commenting on reports that the accused LPC had returned Rs 17 lakh of the swindled money, Ferreira raised concerns about the role of tax authorities. “How is the Income Tax Department unaware of this? How can someone amass so much cash without attracting scrutiny? I will take this up with the Income Tax authorities,” he declared.