Complaint filed with DGP, human rights commission against abusive cops
BRITONA
In a major embarrassment for Goa Police, a video has surfaced showing police officials, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP), using abusive language while arresting a protester during the removal of the Kapreshwar idol in Porvorim on Sunday.
The incident, captured on camera, has since gone viral, drawing widespread criticism from the public and authorities alike.
The ten-second video clip shows the protester verbally abusing the police officers in response to the idol’s removal, which appeared to agitate the police personnel.
Reacting strongly, the officers immediately restrained the protester, forcibly dragging him into a police vehicle before taking him into custody.
Shockingly, while doing so, some police officials, including Porvorim DySP Vishwesh Karpe, were caught on camera using derogatory and offensive language against the protester.
The footage has sparked outrage, with many questioning the conduct of the police, who are expected to maintain discipline and professionalism.
Locals and protesters at the site condemned the police officers for their behaviour, emphasising that while law enforcement has the authority to arrest individuals for misconduct, there is no justification for the use of abusive language by officers in uniform.
“Police have the right to take action against those who violate the law, but who will take action against the police for their misconduct? Is this the standard of professionalism we expect from our law enforcement officers?” questioned a local present at the scene.
In response to the incident, Atmaram Gadekar, a resident of Verla-Canca, has filed a formal complaint with the Director General of Police and other relevant authorities, demanding action against DySP Karpe and a Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) for their inappropriate conduct.
Gadekar has also approached the Goa Human Rights Commission and the State Police Complaints Authority, seeking disciplinary measures, including the suspension of the officers involved or directives to prevent such incidents in the future.
“It is commendable that the individual was arrested for misconduct against police officers on duty. However, who will hold the police accountable for using derogatory language, especially in front of media personnel covering the incident live?” Gadekar stated in his complaint.
With the video now widely circulated, the incident has placed Goa Police under scrutiny, raising serious concerns about the conduct of officers in handling public order situations.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds the Home Minister’s portfolio, is expected to take cognizance of the matter as calls for disciplinary action grow louder.
