PANAJI
The alleged misconduct of newly-recruited police constable Rajat Adpaikar has once again cast a negative impression about Goa Police as retired officers warned this incident is just the tip of the iceberg.
Upset with the force’s recurrent public embarrassments, they referred to the absence of the long-pending Police Act as a major factor behind the frequent lapses.
“I believe the recruitment and training processes must be reformed. Without these changes, we might continue to see personnel like Rajat Adpaikar and some others misuse the system,” retired Superintendent of Police Mahesh Gaonkar opined.
Condemning the incident, Gaonkar stated that regardless of the circumstances, Adpaikar had no right to lay hands on a fellow officer in public. “If he (Adpaikar) felt wronged, he had proper channels to put forth his grievances but this behaviour is completely unacceptable,” he stated.
Retired SP Bossuet Silva echoed his former colleague’s sentiment asserting that such “rogue officers should be dismissed following due procedure.” Silva added that errant cops should not find a place in the department.
Adpaikar, under suspension, was caught allegedly manhandling a Traffic Assistant Sub Inspector on Banastarim Bridge after being caught riding his Bullet bike without a helmet. An ongoing inquiry also revealed he was on duty and had left his workplace at Mormugao police station without permission.
Former officers called for a renewed attempt to pass the Goa Police Bill to save the department from further embarrassment.
“The bill has been delayed for over 16 years. If the Goa Police Bill had been passed, we might have a more disciplined and efficient force today,” said a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police wishing anonymity. “Most transfers, postings and even recruitments have heavy political influence. This must stop if we want to prevent future incidents of indiscipline and misconduct.”
According to these officers, the absence of legislation has left the force vulnerable to scrutiny not just from higher authorities but from the public at large.
Another retired officer slammed the current system citing the prevalence of indiscipline. “Serious issues are often brushed aside and this is sending a wrong message to the personnel that they can be let off for any wrong they do. There should be zero tolerance to misconduct within the force,” he suggested.
Gaonkar went on to criticize that many join the government service for security and in the case of the police department, not for the honour of the uniform. “Being a policeman is not just a job, it’s a profession that requires discipline and a strong moral compass,” he said.
The ex-police officers have also called for training among the current officials to respectfully handle netizens, even if caught in violation.
MLA Carlos Ferreira also voiced concern over the incident demanding that the probationary personnel needs to be sent home and prosecuted.
"The PC admits he was at fault for riding his bike without helmet and strangely does not know that he is dealing with a superior officer. His probation cannot be confirmed and he must be deemed unfit to be confirmed. He also needs to be prosecuted," he said.
The former Advocate General demanded that discipline is the need of the hour not just in the Police force, but also in public service.
