Action follows exposé by The Goan, internal probe; amount deposited in govt account
PANAJI
The Goa Police have finally suspended a lady constable allegedly involved in siphoning off Rs 17.30 lakh from the Bicholim police station, where she was posted before being transferred to the Colvale Escort Cell. However, the department has remained silent on revealing the constable's name, despite indicating that an order for suspension was issued.
“Regarding the irregularity in depositing traffic prosecution amount of Bicholim PS, an inquiry was ordered immediately as soon as the matter came to notice. The concerned police personnel was suspended and the amount in question was deposited in the government account. As per outcome of enquiry further action will be taken,” read an official statement from the Goa Police on their X handle on Wednesday.
A detailed investigation by the SDPO Bicholim found that the constable had allegedly misappropriated Rs 17.30 lakh collected from traffic violation fines over 11 months, from February to December 2024. However, despite the internal audit, preliminary and detailed findings indicting her, she escaped stringent action.
After The Goan’s expose on Tuesday, the constable was summoned to the police headquarters by higher-ups, where she also returned a major portion of the defrauded amount to the department.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also personally monitored the case amid questions being raised over the delay in taking action despite clear evidence.
Meanwhile, the department is yet to release the order of suspension in the public domain. There is also no clarity on the total amount recovered with the department hesitant to release details.
