TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Goa Police has again issued a gag order to its officers below the rank of SP prohibiting them from speaking to journalists as it ‘affects the sanctity of investigation in sensitive cases’. The order comes for the second time in less than three years, interestingly even as the department’s PRO is not a competent authority to brief the media.
The order signed by IGP Sunil Garg instructs that police officers will be allowed to brief the press provided there is permission from the higher ups.
“Police personnel are briefing/giving interviews to media without any authorization from competent authorities. It has also been observed that some police officers are also giving step by step briefing to press on progress of various sensitive cases which badly affects sanctity of the investigation,” the ‘note’ circulated says.
Warning of strict action for non-compliance , Garg has instead instructed the SPs to brief the journalists ‘with proper care’ while also ensuring that the identity of juveniles and women is not disclosed in sensitive cases.
