Demand criminal conspiracy charges in Assagao case
PANAJI
As serious allegations against the highest authority in the Goa Police – the Director General of Police – have rocked the disciplined force, it has now cast a shadow over the department’s credibility and integrity. The saga has prompted retired colleagues to demand a thorough investigation into DGP Jaspal Singh’s alleged involvement in the controversial demolition of the Assagao house – a civil matter that escalated into a criminal case.
With calls for accountability growing louder, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Bosco George has urged for section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) charges against all parties involved. He has however stopped short of directly naming Singh while stressing the urgency of identifying the forces that may have coerced the now-suspended Police Inspector Prashal Dessai into illegal actions.
“Pushing the blame on PI Desai is outrageous. No PI would dare to conspire in such blatant actions without pressure. We need to investigate who forced him into this,” the former IPS officer said.
Retired Superintendent of Police Mahesh Gaonkar did not hold back in his criticism against DGP Singh opining that the unfolding situation reflects deep-rooted issues within the department.
“It is disheartening that things have escalated to this point where a PI feels compelled to speak out against the DGP which is very rare. This isn’t just about one incident but subordinates are fed up with interference from higher-ups,” he slammed. Gaonkar also stated that if DGP Singh is involved, he should face charges in the offence registered with section 120-B of the IPC being a conspirator.
Gaonkar further criticised Singh for boasting about his three tenure in Goa questioning if he can speak about any remarkable work be it law and order or police welfare. Singh was quick to deny allegations in this case. “Why is he beating around the bush, speaking through a PRO who is of the rank of SP? Why has he not come out clean on the statement against him?” he said, further questioning the wisdom behind the department’s move to investigate the allegations against Singh through an SP who is below the former.
Retired SP Bossuet Silva, while refraining from detailed comments, supported the call for an impartial investigation. “I do not know much about the current crisis in the Assagao matter, but an investigation by an impartial agency is necessary given the serious nature of these allegations,” Silva said.
The retired officers, questioning the delay in exposing these issues, however applauded the courage of the PI for bringing the alleged misconduct to light.
Gaonkar went on to add that while the Goa Police has many commendable officers, the current DGP has allegedly patronised few such officers or rather has created such breed for his illicit activities, leaving the force and Goans to face the consequences for years to come, unless nailed down properly by the administration.
“I have recently heard that the DGP has been interfering in several criminal cases, including those related to drugs, to help criminals. He should hang his head in shame. It has become a habit for these officers to engage in illegal activities,” he alleged and called for a thorough investigation by a neutral agency into the entire episode.
