TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: At the backdrop of two embarrassing incidents involving some policemen assaulting two civilians and the escape of gang-rape accused from the custody of Escort Police with no trace of him even after 10 days, the department has been applauded for ‘various achievements’ such as improvement of detection rate to 84.61 percent this year.
“Our detection rate of this year is 84.61 percent which speaks volume of your hard work and professionalism. This year we have also laid emphasis on drive against human trafficking and more than 80 victims have been rescued. The anti narcotics cell also deserves appreciation for nabbing criminals involved in drug peddling. Pertinently 215 cases have been registered during the current year by the ANC and district police while the seizure is approximately 79.153 kgs,” Inspector General of Police Jaspal Singh said addressing the police force on the Raising Day Parade at the police head quarters on Thursday.
The IPS officer also complemented the Traffic Police Cell in implementing the Traffic Sentinel Scheme stating it will go a long way in ensuring safety of motorists and pedestrians in the State. The duty during the International Film Festival of India was also emphasized during the speech.
The officer also informed that the Forensic Science Laboratory is functioning in full swing and several state-of-the-art equipment are purchased. Similarly, Cyber Crime cell is fully functional to deal with the growing menace of cyber crime.
These words of appreciation come at the time when the department faced embarrassing incidents like assaulting of two youths. Lester D’Douza from Anjuna was beaten up by a group of policemen including two police sub inspectors at Fatorda stadium post-ISL match last month, followed by another assault on Clint Rebello at Cuncolim. While the department was quick to order departmental inquiry for major penalty against all errant policemen including suspension of a PSI and four constables in the second case, it triggered a debate on whether the police can take law in their hands during adverse situations. Director General of Police Muktesh Chander has asked the policemen to remain cool in such circumstances and take action as per the law else face departmental action and FIR.
The department once again came under criticism when Betalbatim gang rape accused Ishwar Makhwana escaped from the custody of the police while undergoing treatment at TB Hospital. The two Escort policemen are suspended but the accused, who has criminal records back at his native in Indore, continues to be at large.
