PORVORIM: The issue of alleged indulgence of policemen in drugs, alcohol and gambling rocked the Goa Assembly before Question Hour, on Monday.
Before the start of Question Hour on Monday, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao sought to raise the issue of drug abuse among police and questioned whether Goa was becoming Swayampurna (self-sufficient) this way.
Reading from a newspaper, Yuri said, “Gambling has also been mentioned. While the Police Department has ordered an inquiry, will the government remain silent on criminal action?” he questioned, amid strong objection from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
In his response, Sawant said, “There is a need to verify the same. Everytime one cannot wave newspapers in the House.”
Yuri asked, “Has Goa become Swayampurna in drugs? I think this is a
serious issue. When drugs are circulating within the police station, liquor is circulating, gambling is happening. On this, the CM has to take action.”
“This issue should be raised during demand for grants for the Home Department,” Sawant said.
A confidential note, approved by the Director General of Police (DGP), has brought to light the disturbing trend of police officers allegedly indulging in alcohol, drugs, and even gambling within the premises of police stations and restrooms. The reports mentioned an alarming increase in alcohol and drug addiction among police officials.
“Is this Swayampurna Goa? You reply to this,” Yuri asserted.
Fatorda MLA Vijay Sardesai also commented on the issue outside the House. Sardesai said, “They (police) are very honest. They are admitting things we didn’t know about. We thought drug addiction was an external problem. Now they are telling us it is internal, as the police have become drug addicts. The drug mafia has succeeded in infiltrating the Police Department. Their plan has succeeded. Narco-trafficking will not stop in Goa.”
“Drug mafia has made certain policemen addicts so that they could help the former in trafficking as there is very little chance of narcotics trafficking through the Goa Police,” Sardesai told reporters outside the Goa Assembly Complex on Monday.
