A newly recruited constable Rajat Adpaikar was suspended by SP South Goa Sunita Sawant for allegedly assaulting Traffic ASI Vivek Phadte at Banastarim. The incident occurred when Phadte stopped Adpaikar for multiple violations, including riding without a helmet and lane cutting.
A 71-year-old Advocate Jayant Prabhu died by suicide and he allegedly named a lady PSI and a constable in his suicide note. The note allegedly held police personnel’s ‘extremely rude’ behaviour responsible for the drastic step taken by him to end his life.
A confidential note, approved by the Director General of Police (DGP), has brought to light the disturbing trend of police officers indulging in alcohol, drugs, and even gambling within the premises of police stations and restrooms. Reports have surfaced, revealing an alarming increase in alcohol and drug addiction among police officials.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had to transfer incumbent Goa Director General of Police Jaspal Singh from Goa to Delhi. Singh’s name had cropped up in connection with an inquiry ordered by Chief Minister Pramod Swant after the demolition of a house in North Goa’s Assagao last month.
A purported report written by a policeman from North Goa’s Anjuna police station, which was submitted to the chief secretary of Goa, claimed that the Goa DGP Jaspal Singh “pressurised” his subordinates to allow demolition of the house.
Pissurlem farmer and activist, Hanumant Parab, known for his fight against unsustainable mining, was allegedly assaulted by cops at the Valpoi Police Station for protesting against illegalities and to save the fields and livelihood. Rubbing salt to injury, the men in uniform purportedly named him in the list of history sheeters by forcing him to visit the police station.
The incidents of Goa Police’s misdemeanours is becoming frequent. This is the reason why there is a huge trust deficit between the cops and the public. The common man now believes that the police are the last stop for help. Political influence, corruption and deteriorating work ethics hamper the efficient functioning of the police force, which is very unfortunate. The police today carry the “saviour is oppressor” tag.
It is high time that the top ranking police officers first set their home right, before going on to preach others about following rules. Former DGP Singh had the audacity to criticise the media for exposing the wrongdoings of his men. Instead of shooting the messenger, the police should discharge its duties properly and look at ways to reboot the force, so that it can discharge its duties efficiently.
Transferring or suspending one erring cop is not enough. The malice within the force is very deep rooted. It needs a complete cleaning up.
One would be naïve to think that this problem is restricted to Goa Police only. No. This is an infectious disease, which has taken the entire country’s police machinery in its grip.
That is why, time and again, there has been a call for initiating police reforms to transform the values, culture, policies and practices of police organisations. It envisages police to perform their duties with respect for democratic values, human rights and the rule of law.
The nature of crimes is becoming more complex. There is organised crime, human trafficking, economic fraud, cybercrime, communal disturbances and rise of insurgency. But despite the changing nature of crime and the society at large, our policing remains archaic.
Police-public relations are rapidly deteriorating as people view the police as corrupt, inefficient, politically partisan and unresponsive. According to a 2018 survey by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), less than 25% of Indians trusted the police.
Police forces must undergo modernisation and become a professional force for adapting to the evolving needs of society. Accountability, which acts as a crucial check against abuse of power. Cops must remember they are public servants, not their masters.