Given the fact that it is one of the busiest police stations in the State which has a number of sensitive installations in its jurisdiction, one would have imagined that the Mormugao Police Station would have been equipped with the required manpower.
On the contrary, the Mormugao Police station has been without a full-time station officer for almost two months and it is being managed by PSI Shailesh Narvekar. But this is not the only problem.
Of the 13 head constables assigned to this police station, only three head constables are deputed to handle work. Sources further informed Herald that the police station also lacks Lady Police Constables (LPC). Of the three lady police constables sanctioned for the police station, two are on child-care leave, while the third is transferred elsewhere in the State.
Soon after the Vasco rape case, three more child abuse cases were reported in Sada area. Despite these growing crimes against children, managements of some schools have complained that boys loiter outside their school before and after school hours.
Parents at Headland Sada told Herald that since schools commenced the academic year from June 5, they have noticed boys on motorcycles before and after school hours, teasing girl students. “Not a single police is seen near the school premises to avoid any molestation or abuse by these boys,” complained a parent.
When the matter was brought to the notice of Mormugao police personnel, they claimed that PI Suresh Goankar is transferred almost two months ago and they have been without a full-time police inspector since then.
“The Mormugao police station is understaffed and hence, police personnel cannot be posted at the school premises. The PSI attached to the police station is overburdened and has to look into every matter at the police station. If any serious problem arises at the police station, Vasco PI Rupendra Shetgaokar, who holds additional charge, looks into the matter,” explained a policeman.
When contacted, Superintendent of Police, South Goa, Shekar Parbudesai, confirmed that the Vasco police inspector is holding additional charge of the Mormugao police station.
When pointed that Vasco Police station is itself understaffed since the required number of PSIs and other police personnel are not deputed to the Vasco police station, thereby adding to the burden of the station incharge, SP Prabhudesai assured that he would take up the issue with his seniors at the Panjim head office in a bid to resolve the problem.
