The recently appointed Goa DGP Dr Muktesh Chander’s new mantra that quality prosecution will decide future postings of police officers is a step in the right direction. He should begin his mission by examining how a most inefficient Police Inspector Dattaguru Sawant is holding a pivotal position at the all very vital Crime Branch. It should be the endeveaour of the DGP to ensure that his entire force is totally insulated from all political machinations, influences and controls as has been mandated by the Supreme Court.
The Goa Police’s effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy is currently in question and there is rightly a public perception that the police force have been acting as caged parrots of the politicians in power. The Police have miserably failed to provide the service the public deserve and are entitled to. The commitment, devotion and accountability of the police has to be only to the Rule of Law which requires that the police function without any regard, whatsoever, to the status and position of any person while investigating a crime.
On account of the acts of omission and commission by the police, the Rule of Law in Goa has become a casualty and the escalating levels of crime in the State is a matter of grave concern. Let us hope that Dr Chander will inject the right dose to invigorate his force to uphold the law at all times.
