MARGAO: Colva Police Station, which has jurisdiction over all the coastal villages of Salcete, is severely understaffed, putting considerable strain on the personnel on duty.
The functioning of this large police station is supervised by a single Police Inspector with one experienced lady Police Sub-Inspector (LPSI). Five new Police Sub-Inspectors, including one lady Police Sub-Inspector, have been transferred to Colva Police Station. However, most cases are handled by the lone experienced LPSI. The station also faces a shortage of Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), Head Constables, and even Constables, a policeman lamented.
Sources revealed that there are three Head Constables, of which two are working at the station, and the third is assigned other duties. A Head Constable is reportedly transferred to Sanguem PS, but has not yet been relieved, according to sources. The sanctioned strength of Head Constables at Colva Police Station is 14, while only three are currently working.
The sanctioned strength of ASIs is four, of which one is at the Cavelossim outpost, another is working at Colva Police Station, and the third is dealing with other cases.
There are not enough personnel to handle matters at the police station, let alone carry out patrolling.