HERALD: As the one responsible (being second head of the dept) for maintaining law and order in Goa, what are the challenges you faced during your tenure?
JASPAL SINGH: Policing in a democratic set up is always challenging as people are aware of their rights. Moreover, there are statutory commissions for weaker sections such as SCs, STs, Women and Children to protect their rights. So the police have to walk on a tight rope to take care that no body’s rights are infringed. Though policemen are trained in law and procedure but at times aberrations might happen due to grave provocation or disorderly conduct of citizens. Nevertheless, when I look back, I feel satisfied that we could serve the public well and extremely well during lockdown period. An iconic tourist destination has its own policing challenges but we responded to each one of the challenges, in a professional manner in a team spirit. We adopted a zero tolerance policy towards drugs. But zero tolerance doesn’t mean zero crime. Criminals would find ways around preventive measures and commit crimes. No society is immune to crime so long as criminogenic factors persist. These factors are beyond police control.
HERALD: The vacant post of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) was added to your responsibility soon after your posting in October 2017; and thereafter you took over as the Acting Director General of Police (DGP) owing to the untimely death of ex-DGP Pranab Nanda in November 2019. How did these add to your responsibilities?
SINGH: Yes, it does add to your responsibilities. But policing is a team work. My Superintendents of Police (SPs) worked very well. In fact, each one of the officers performed exceedingly well. I take back rich experience with me, which would keep me in good stead. I am indeed grateful to the Chief Secretary and Chief Minister, who reposed faith in me and handed over the reins of police department to me.
HERALD: You also had a great task to carry forward the Traffic Sentinel scheme conceived by the then DGP Muktesh Chander amid backlash from some. Your thoughts on this?
SINGH: Any initiative would face initial resistance, particularly from those whose interests are injured. Only those who do not want to abide by law opposed it but more or less, the people welcomed this community policing initiative. Citizens enforcing laws themselves, is a welcome practice and it did have positive effect on traffic regulation.
HERALD: Can you elaborate about your experience in tackling multiple situations amidst the COVID-19 outbreak in the State?
SINGH: It was a very challenging situation as never before has a calamity of this proportion hit the country. The police personnel were saddled with the responsibility to keep people indoors; maintain social distancing; enforce the lockdown; and also help people in distress. Inter-State Border Management was a very challenging task as there was always a possibility that those who are stranded outside Goa might try to come back by illegal channels and escape scrutiny as well as the check up by health workers. But I am happy to say that the police along with health workers and the Executive Magistrates discharged this responsibility very well. Overall, it was a learning experience. I am lucky that I had the opportunity to deal with the post-Tsunami relief operations in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. That experience came in quite handy.
HERALD: The last few months were a testing time for the police force in view of the pandemic and crime incidents. The much talked about being the St Cruz shootout for instance. What was your experience as you led the force until recently, with a full-time appointment of DGP?
SINGH: We responded to each such incident in a professional manner. The results are there to see. In fact, the general public needs to come forward and report on activities of rowdy elements so that such delinquent behavior is nipped in the bud. The public needs to be the eyes and ears of the police, as police personnel are limited in numbers. Both the SPs have initiated substantial preventive action in this regard.
HERALD: Goa Police came under a scathing attack for the perceived failed law and order situation, courtesy the St Cruz attack. At the same time, the initial silence on Zenito Cardozo’s role in the crime and the contradictory statements over the motive behind the attack saw the police being put on the back foot. Can you explain all that?
SINGH: You can’t judge the performance of police department on the basis of a single incident. Overall, the crime situation is well under control in Goa. Aberrations should not be used to judge the performance. The police have both the role of preventive as well as detection. In this case, the detection was thoroughly professional and whoever was responsible for it, has been brought to justice. We are an agency bound by law. We are not speculators. Investigation is a dynamic process and based on the flow of information. We can’t give irresponsible statements unless we have something tangible. Once our leads are confirmed we move swiftly. We have to be responsible in our statements. So it is incorrect to say that the statements were contradictory. As soon as arrestable evidence comes on the file, we make a move. Investigation is a process, which requires painstaking efforts. We can’t indiscriminately arrest people unless we have something tangible. As soon as the involvement of someone is confirmed we seek his custodial interrogation. Conspiracies are hatched in secrecy and it requires continuous hard work of multiple teams to unearth them. The North District Police under the SP Utkrisht Prasoon deserves appreciation for painstakingly working on the case. Investigation is not a running commentary. As unnecessary reporting, might affect the progress of the case. Police have to produce evidence before a court of law. It need not be discussed at every forum. Only the incident and efforts made in that regard, need to be told to the public. Granularity is required for the perusal of a court of law, not for others.
HERALD: You have been applauded for your friendly approach towards the citizens and the media. Did this help strengthen the police-community relationship?
SINGH: Absolutely. Policing during the lockdown won applause and appreciation of the general public. Media is both a source of information and feedback so whatever good work we do, should reach the people and the feedback should also come to help improve our processes.
HERALD: What is your opinion on drug abuse cases, prostitution rackets and matka dens etc, which Goa is infamous for?
SINGH: Goa Police has done exceedingly well on these fronts. Tourist destinations are prone to such crimes but we were mindful of the situation and we struck hard against such crimes.
HERALD: Do you think that issues in Goa get politicised too fast?
SINGH: Well, we are a vibrant democracy. People need to be vigilant and alert as they say eternal vigilance is the price of democracy. But people need to follow constitutional and legal norms while exercising their right of protest and observe the directions of police and the Magistrates. They should not obstruct and take law into their hands.
HERALD: Could you elaborate about your achievements in the last three years of your posting in Goa?
SINGH: We could maintain peace and all the credit goes to each and every policeman of Goa, who toiled very hard, day and night like a team. In Police, there is no personal credit as it is team work.
