Team Herald
PONDA: The high octane altercation between two policemen near the Banastarim Bridge has raised questions about the safety of citizens, with Ponda residents stating that those tasked with maintaining order, are themselves breaking the law. The residents believe that flaws in police training need to be addressed, and that the authorities must reinforce the importance of upholding the law for everyone, including the men-in-uniform.
It may be recalled that on Wednesday, Rajat Adpaikar, a constable posted at the Mormugao Police Station, riding a two-wheeler, alleged that ASI Vivek Phadte, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), attached to Ponda Traffic Cell, stopped him for riding a two-wheeler without a headgear and slapped him after snatching the keys of his bike. ASI Phadte denied slapping the rider, and instead accused Rajat and his family members of assaulting him, while discharging his duty. The Mardol Police have since registered an offence against the bike rider for assault, while the rider filed a counter-complaint alleging he was slapped by the ASI.
The residents have called for a thorough probe into the actions of the cops involved in the altercation and added that there have been previous instances of police misconduct, including an assault on a Marcel resident over a property dispute, leading to suspensions of police personnel across the State.
They argued that police personnel, who take the law into their own hands, should face termination, highlighting that this is not an isolated incident.
“If police personnel, who undergo rigorous training for public service and safety, are fighting on the streets, how can we expect citizens to feel safe in their hands?” asked a concerned Ponda resident.
Nilesh Naik, a local resident, emphasised that while police receive extensive training on rules and regulations, the Banastarim incident indicates a troubling disregard for the law.
He pointed out the recent suicide of a newly-recruited officer is a sign that deeper issues within the police force need to be examined, including potential arrogance and rudeness among officers.
Social worker Sandeep Parkar suggested that counselling for police staff could help them better understand the purpose of their roles. “Being policemen does not place them above the law,” he said.
Viraj Sapre, a local social worker, voiced his concerns, stating, “If police officers trained in laws and regulations are breaking them without fear, how can the government expect the public to behave differently?”
Vishal Fadte, also from Ponda, reiterated that no member of the police or public should engage in unlawful behaviour or fights on the road.
He urged affected citizens to file complaints in cases of injustice, emphasising that laws are in place to protect everyone.