PANJIM: The Director General of Police (DGP) Jaspal Singh on Sunday went into damage control mode over the standing order blocking information to print and electronic media with an assurance to modify it.
DGP Singh also claimed that no Superintendent of Police (SP) has been asked not to speak to the media.
Clarifying on the PRO system Singh said, “The system of PRO was actually done following media demand. But since SP Shivendu Bhushan, PRO incharge proceeded on leave after his gruelling schedule of G-20 meetings, he was inaccessible, he said reiterating that he has not asked any SP not to speak to media.
“The PRO was appointed to facilitate sharing of information with media only. If it doesn’t suit you, we will modify,” the DGP added.
Singh agreed to hold a joint meeting with media persons covering the crime beat to resolve the issue.
Journalists covering crime beat countered the DGP claiming that though the SPs have not been stopped from giving information, these officers have been denying the necessary information. Citing the standing order, some also complained that information required by the media is being denied.
In the name of effective communication with media, Singh had indirectly issued a gag order preventing the police officials from disseminating information.
The five-page standing order dated May 31, 2023 issued by the DGP prevents even an official of the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) from giving any information to the press and media. All the communication has been redirected to the Public Relation Officer (PRO) of Goa Police. In the standing order, the DGP also states that the communication with the media as far as practicable will be done through press releases, which shall be issued by the PRO after approval of senior police officials.
