PANJIM: Police are scared of suspensions and play it safe or take it easy when it comes to thefts, thus leading to increase in thefts. The gap left at lower levels after promotion of personnel too has contributed to this state of affairs, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said.
He was replying to a calling attention motion by BJP MLA Pramod Sawant on the fear and anxiety in the minds of the people on recent robberies. Parrikar said that in the past couple of years there were some 900 to 1000 promotions.
“This has not only left a gap at the lower levels, but many of the personnel that are promoted are retiring too,” he said, explaining that this has led to many of them not wanting to take a risk as in case something happened they could be suspended, so they either take it easy of go on leave.
“Many of them have six months or so to retire, so they do not want to take risks, in case some mistake is highlighted in the media,” he said, admitting that many are also not fit due to advancing age.
Parrikar however promised that this issue will be sorted out, as most of the recruits who are in training will join duty by October.
“After that, this problem will be sorted out,” the Chief Minister assured.
Ponda MLA Lavoo Mamledar raised the issue that many times when witnesses are called to court the Assistant Public Prosecutors are not there. This weakens cases.
He observed that these witnesses waste time and do not appear in court but when the public prosecutors themselves are not there then they feel discouraged. Also when the PPs are on leave, nobody informs the witnesses and they are forced to make a wasted trip.
Parrikar promised that he would fill up all the pending posts. He also said that there would be a website to keep people updated and also for all to know and make it witness-friendly.
“It will take six months to a year,” the Chief Minister said.
