PANAJI
In light of several police personnel remaining in their current positions despite transfer orders issued about a month ago (read The Goan dated October 22), it has now come to light that the State government is purportedly in possession of a report identifying nearly 1,000 or more staff due for transfer.
The report comprises personnel from constables to higher ranks across police stations, units, district headquarters and even the Police Headquarters.
While over half of Goa's police force falls within the expected three-year tenure at a given post, many others have managed to remain in the same positions for far longer.
The situation extends beyond police stations. The Security Unit, which provides Personal Security Officers to ministers and vital locations, has reportedly kept several personnel for years.
The Goan has confirmed information that most of them have been shifted from one minister's protection detail to another, yet remaining within the same unit, over the past several years.
The Crime Branch has quite a number of personnel posted for years. On the contrary, this Branch -- also comprising Special Investigation Teams handling cases like land grabbing, gambling, etc -- has often seen officers transferred before completing their investigations.
Astonishingly, some constables and even a driver have managed to retain at their ‘favourite’ posting for more than a decade with one constable having served 12 years in the same position.
The Calangute Police Station, a much sought-after posting alike other coastal divisions, has its own tale of unshakable staff. About 12 have remained at the station for over five years including a head constable driver who is allegedly posted for two decades.
A police constable served nine years despite a brief transfer to Porvorim following allegations. The cop was promptly sent back to his original post in less than a month.
Panaji police station has a similar pattern. Several including those in the local intelligence unit have held their positions for over a decade. Many of them, from constables to ASIs, also were successful in returning to their previous postings even after being transferred elsewhere in the past.
The situation at the Local Intelligence Branch at other police stations echoes this trend.
Other major police stations at Margao, Ponda, Curchorem, Sanguem are just a few where personnel with extended tenures exist.
Sources said that with the government tightening the noose around the department, extended postings of police inspectors and deputy superintendents of police have also come under scrutiny.
“The upcoming transfers will ensure that no staff returns to their previous posting within a short time unless there is a genuine reason. It's not a healthy trend, particularly at police stations. The Home department will examine the report and accordingly direct transfers,” the source added.
The Goan tried contacting the Chief Minister’s Office but in vain.
