Team Herald
MARGAO: Several police personnel across South Goa, including sub-inspectors (PSI), assistant sub-inspectors (ASI), and constables, who were recently issued transfer orders, have yet to be relieved of their duties, sparking concerns over the delayed implementation of these transfers.
A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that transfers of personnel below the rank of inspector within the State are managed by the Superintendent of Police (SP). The September 27th transfer order, issued by the SP’s headquarters in Panjim, involved 704 police officials, including SIs, ASIs, head constables, and constables. However, the majority of these officers, especially in South Goa, have not been relieved from their current postings.
Sources say that certain police stations, such as Ponda, has nine police sub-inspectors who were transferred but remain in their existing roles. In Salcete, where there are five police stations, several officers who were supposed to be transferred remain stationed at their current posts. An assistant sub-inspector from Colva, for example, was transferred to Cuncolim but has yet to be relieved, while another officer in Margao, despite serving there for several years, has not been transferred despite receiving an order. Several PSIs from Fatorda also have not been relieved yet.
One case involves an ASI from Margao who, despite a brief transfer to Quepem, returned to Margao after only two months. His new orders now mandate a transfer to Vasco, but his continued presence at the Margao police station has raised eyebrows. Similarly, another head constable at Maina-Curtorim police station has reportedly not been transferred in years.
A senior police officer recently held a meeting in Margao and instructed police station in-charges to immediately relieve transferred personnel. While some police staff have since taken charge at their
new postings, many sub-inspectors remain at their original stations.
Mahesh Nayak, a social worker, criticised the delayed transfers, alleging that political affiliations and corruption might be the cause of the delay. He emphasised that regular police transfers are essential for ensuring efficiency and curbing undue influence.
Additionally, it is noted that in Salcete, only the police stations in Colva, Maina-Curtorim, Cuncolim, Fatorda, and Margao have female sub-
inspectors, who primarily handle cases involving rape and kidnapping.