PANJIM: Taking serious cognisance of the assault on seafarer Clint Rebello, the State police has suspended the errant police officials attached to Cuncolim police station after an initial internal inquiry found them guilty of the act.
Police Sub Inspector Mahesh Velip and constables Upendra Upaskar, Sandeep Konkre, Gitesh Gaonkar and constable driver Chandru Gaonkar were suspended by an order issued by Deputy Inspector General of Police Parmaditya on Wednesday. Herald was the only newspaper on Wednesday to report that the police brass had decided to suspend the five personnel.
The suspended personnel, who also face a disciplinary inquiry for major penalty, have been directed to remain present at the South District police headquarters till further orders.
The department has also transferred the FIR registered against Rebello to Crime Branch. Cuncolim police had registered a case under Section 353 (preventing a government servant from discharging his duties) of the Indian Penal Code.
On Monday evening, Rebello was allegedly beaten by Velip and four constables after a heated argument over traffic chaos resulting due to an accident on the Assolna road. Police claim that Rebello verbally abused them.
However, Director General of Police Muktesh Chander and South Superintendent of Police Arvind Gawas said police personnel should have kept their cool and handled the situation within the ambit of the law. The DGP has already warned of action for misconduct if any policeman tries to bring in political pressure.
Meanwhile, the Goa Human Rights Commission has taken cognisance of the case and issued notices to Chief Secretary Dharmendra Sharma and South SP to submit a detailed report by December 14.
