PANJIM: A police sub-inspector and constable attached with the Anjuna police have come under the scanner over allegations of attempted extortion from two non-Goan youth conducting their business along the coastal belt.
A preliminary inquiry has ascertained the allegations against PSI Videsh Pilgaonkar and Constable Shyam Parsekar, who have been a part of several narcotics raiding team in their jurisdiction. The police higher-ups have been prompt to initiate a departmental inquiry as it faces another embarrassment due to the involvement of its personnel in criminal activity.
A source told Herald that the policemen threatened to implicate the a small-time businessmen in a false drugs case if they didn’t pay Rs 5 lakh to them. “The incident happened at Chivar in Anjuna wherein the complainants have their rented accommodation. A police team barged in suspecting narcotics trade (on a falls tipoff). But the policemen managed to arrest another accused (not related to this extortion case) for alleged drug peddling. The policemen went back to the two youth demanding Rs 5 lakh failing which they were threatened of a planted drugs case,” said an officer at the police headquarters.
“The boys lodged a complaint with the department prompting an inquiry,” he said adding that one of them – a tattoo artist – has been living in Goa since March while another – a freelancer in tourism sector – joined him two months ago.
The fresh case has once again left the department red-faced with Goa police in damage control following involvement of some in corruption, custodial deaths and assault on civilians.
