TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
OLD GOA: With a vast area under its jurisdiction, rising crime rate, and lack of facilities, the understaffed Old Goa police station fights against all odds to maintain law and order.
Sources informed Herald that the Old Goa police station jurisdiction comprises two constituencies and parts of two other constituencies, but its staff strength is not enough to meet the requirements of policing such a vast area while the facilities at the police station are bare minimal, which is affecting its functioning.
The two constituencies are Cumbarjua and St Cruz, which includes the notorious Indira Nagar in Chimbel, while Chodan from Mayem constituency, and Ribandar and Patto from Panjim constituency also come under Old Goa police station.
Police sources informed that currently the personnel at the Old Goa PS include 1 PI, 1 PSI, 3 ASIs and 45 constables, which is not enough considering the rising crime rate in the area.
“There is a need of one more PSI while there is a need of another 20-25 constables,” the sources further informed.
Herald was also informed that at times the personnel have to do round-the-clock duty for days, without a break, thereby affecting them physically and mentally.
On the facilities at the police station, the sources informed that the basic facilities are lacking. “There are only seven beds which are not enough to cater to the needs of the personnel,” the sources added while stating that there is need of refurbishing the toilet and bathroom facilities.
