ANDREA FERNANDES
CALANGUTE: In a tete a tete with the Inspector General Police, Jaspal Singh on the topics of drugs, prostitution, matka and other vices plaguing Goa and the investigation carried out by the Police. It was revealed that he has full confidence and no doubt on the police efficiency in the state. He also went on to praise Goa police for doing a good job.
Herald: Do you think that the investigation carried out by the police is not good enough when dealing with drugs and prostitution related cases? How efficient are the police in Goa.
Jaspal Singh: The investigation of any cases depends on the availability of the evidence and we are training our officers also. They are being exposed to specialized training as well. According to me Goa Police is doing a reasonably good job. As far as detection is concerned we have dealt with three serious cases in the last couple of months. A gang rape detected within 18 hours, serious murder detected within 24 hours, kidnapping for ransom case also solved in less than 48 hours.
Herald: As per details in possession with Herald it has been noticed that out of the 43 cases registered in Anjuna Police Station over the last five years only four have been convicted?
Jaspal Singh: That depends on the trial of the cases not that all the cases have been put on trial. This conviction is of cases which are finally disposed off. Conviction depends upon a number of factors such as appreciation of evidence by the court of law, memory of the witnesses because sometimes trial also takes a lot of time.
Herald: In an affidavit filed before the high court of Bombay at Goa regarding matka prevalent in the state, the police have stated that the petitioner has not furnished any evidence to prove the same. The court is still hearing a petition regarding matka gambling. Comment.
Jaspal Singh: Minor level of matka is still there because over the last few days we have booked a few cases. It is content to a considerable amount.
Herald: Investigation and trial in drug related cases takes a long time due to the unavailability of a narcotic substance testing facility in Goa. When will this be in place?
Jaspal Singh: There are few central forensic science laboratories at Kolkata, Hyderabad and New Delhi. Of late reference material is not available with the laboratories but we have taken up the matter with the central forensic science laboratory at Kolkata. On Sunday we got a response that they will be able to handle accept certain cases. Every month we can send them eight cases and to a certain extent that problem is now solved. The forensic science laboratory at Verna is at the nascent stage and certain departments like toxicology and chemical testing are functional. In the years to come we will further enhance the capabilities of this laboratory. As of now we do not have the capability to test narcotic substances in Goa.
