The unravelling of financial misappropriation amounting to approximately Rs 17.30 lakh within the Goa Police's traffic enforcement division is another grim reflection of the rampant corruption that has seeped into our institutions. Not only does this incident tarnish the reputation of the police department, but it also raises critical questions on the internal checks and balances, and above all, the intent to tackle corruption.
Investigations indicate that misappropriation stemmed from Bicholim police station, where a lady constable, designated as the ‘dealing hand’ responsible for processing cash collected from traffic fines, allegedly siphoned money without accountability during the last 11 months. Now, here is the second part. Despite clear signs of impropriety and discrepancies between bank deposit receipts and actual amounts recorded, no action has been initiated against the accused further raising suspicion of a "protective hand" shielding the accused.
This incident not only damages the integrity of Goa police but also exposes a systemic failure that has allowed corruption to thrive. The idea of financial accountability within an institution meant to uphold law and order increasingly appears compromised when those involved in financial scandals get concessions and not an immediate suspension, an action that is promptly applied otherwise. Goa has been a witness to senior officers being suspended or transferred overnight on the slightest of lapses, let alone financial impropriety.
In Goa, traffic police and corruption have become almost synonymous over the years. Policemen settling violators outside the system, or using private G-Pay accounts and QR codes for collecting fines — rather than following standard procedures — have already smeared the image of the force, prompting the leadership to introduce body cameras besides shuffling challan protocols and suspending errant cops.
In the current case, the move to undertake audits across all police stations and introduce digital payments is welcome. But where were the checks on day-to-day accounting? Why was the lady constable allowed the liberty to deal with cash at her discretion? There are gaping holes in the system that need to be fixed.
Cases like these breach public trust, and it takes a herculean effort to restore it. Systemic changes are re-assuring provided they are backed by a zero-tolerance approach against corruption. Extending concessions to fraudsters will only defeat the purpose of cleansing the system and further bring down the credibility of the police.
While proactive measures are essential, it is crucial to interrogate the cultural fabric within the Goa Police that may encourage such dishonesty. Rigorous accountability measures alongside training focused on ethics and integrity should become indispensable elements of police training. After all, officers are entrusted with the public’s resources — resources that must be managed with the highest integrity and transparency. As citizens, we must hold our law enforcement agencies accountable not just for their actions in public service but for their stewardship of public funds. Transparency, accountability, and a commitment to ethical practices are non-negotiable.
The future of policing in Goa hinges on transformative changes that can realign objectives from mere enforcement to a model of integrity and service, ensuring that incidents of financial misappropriation are tackled without any biases. Only then can we truly restore the public's confidence in our police force and reaffirm the essential role they play in day-to-day lives.
