Team Herald
PANJIM: With more and more police testing positive for COVID-19, Goa’s new police chief has sought detailed inquiry into the source of infection among these frontline warriors. Director General of Police (DGP) Mukesh Kumar Meena has also decided to inculcate good practices implemented by counterparts in Delhi and other States to fight the spread of the deadly virus.
“First priority is regarding the spread of COVID-19 and I was informed that some policemen are also infected by this disease. We have discussed how to control and prevent infection in policemen. I have asked my officers to analyze, each and every case on how they got infected, find out the origin and accordingly further brief the staff,” Meena said in his first media interaction shortly after taking the charge on Friday.
Having served in several States in the past, the AGMUT-1989 batch officer said they will be adopting ‘good practices’ of counterparts in other States.
“We have discussed with police force from Delhi and other States good practices going on there. So we are going to implement some of the measures in the police stations where public go for their complaints,” he said quickly adding, “We have to ensure policing but also ensure safety of our policemen. They are deployed at containment zones, in the cities and borders.”
Conceding risk factor among the frontline personnel, DGP reiterated that the staff has been asked to implement health safety measures to remain safe. “…and since it is the duty, we have to assist the administration for controlling the spread of the virus. So risk is always there but we will take measures. This is the first priority in Goa,” he stated. Nearly 25 policemen have so far been infected with the virus while majority are from Ponda police station.
As the tourism industry has re-opened from July 2, the police chief said their priority is also ensuring safety and security of the tourists besides on all aspects of policing such as law and order, crime prevention and detection. Meena has instructed the investigating teams to detect and complete the pending cases. “Those pending cases will be investigated properly,” he said.
In addition to policing, the officer, who held a marathon meeting with the officers soon after taking the charge, said focus will also be on reducing accidents especially fatal. The long pending promotion of personnel/officers will also be taken on priority by following the criteria laid down.
The media took the opportunity to ask the new DGP about the action in the St Cruz shootout investigation as one of the prominent gangster Zenito Cardozo is still on the run. To this Meena said, “We are working professionally. If there is any matter, we will take action. I don’t know much about this case but certainly will discuss with officers, and take action against gang wars.” Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jaspal Singh, also present at the briefing, stuck to the police’s theory that the attack on Imran Bepari’s house was due to a woman. He has once again denied gang rivalry.
“That has not come in the investigation (referring to gang war theory). The basic issue in this dispute was about a woman… We have so far arrested 22 persons and 12 arrests were made within 24 hours. We are serious about this case will not it a gang war. The issue was something else,” the IGP added.
