Team Herald
PANJIM: Barely two weeks after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that only Inspectors or Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs) equipped with body cameras are authorised to issue challans for traffic violations, a constable attached to the Old Goa Police Station is facing serious allegations of extortion.
The constable allegedly demanded and collected Rs 2,000 from a two-wheeler rider for not wearing a helmet—an action in direct violation of the Chief Minister’s directive.
Sawant had earlier made it clear that any police officer below the rank of Police Inspector (PI)
found stopping motorists or demanding money for traffic offences would face immediate suspension.
However, implementation on the ground appears to be lagging. Superintendent of Police (North) Akshat Kaushal, IPS, confirmed that Panjim Dy SP Sudesh Naik has been tasked with conducting an inquiry and submitting a report, based on which appropriate action will
be taken.
The incident came to light after social activist Adv Aires Rodrigues posted about it on
social media.
According to his account, the incident occurred on Tuesday night. The victim, a resident of Santa Cruz, was returning home from work in Ribandar on his two-wheeler when he was stopped by a police vehicle near Old Goa for riding without a helmet.
A constable allegedly boarded the victim’s two-wheeler and directed him to proceed to the Old Goa Police Station. Once near the station, the officer reportedly demanded payment to ‘settle’ the matter, threatening that the official penalty could go up to Rs 13,000 under the revised Motor Vehicle Rules.
The constable is said to have initially demanded Rs 5,000 but eventually accepted Rs 2,000 after negotiation. The victim had to call a friend to arrange the money. The entire episode was reportedly caught on CCTV.
On Wednesday, Sudesh Naik visited the Old Goa Police Station to begin the inquiry, speaking with both the personnel stationed there and the victim. During an identification parade, the victim is said to have identified the constable involved.