Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Sep 3: Four police personnel were suspended on Wednesday for alleged misconduct, corruption and violations of service discipline, while a police sub-inspector (PSI) attached to Porvorim police station was transferred to the Goa Reserve Police (GRP) after a video of him allegedly threatening restaurant staff over a bill dispute went viral.
Police said PSI Viraj Sawant and a friend had gone for dinner at a restaurant in Socorro. According to officers, when the staff presented the bill, Sawant disputed the amount and questioned why the restaurant was charging that price for a dish when it was available elsewhere at a lower price.
In the video, the PSI is seen allegedly threatening the restaurant staff and using abusive language. He is also heard saying that he would call a police vehicle and take a staff member to the police station.
“I will call the police control room and take you to the police station. I will give you VIP treatment,” the PSI is heard saying in the video.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Rahul Gupta said disciplinary action has also been initiated against other police personnel for alleged misconduct.
Head clerk Mukund Menkurkar, also known as Lamgaonkar, has been suspended and departmental action initiated for allegedly inducing people facing departmental inquiries to purchase life insurance policies through his wife, who is an insurance agent, Gupta said.
Lower division clerk (LDC) Pratap Sawant has also been suspended and departmental proceedings initiated for allegedly collecting money from home guards on the promise of securing them employment, Gupta said.
Police constable Gauresh Naik, currently attached to Porvorim police station and previously posted at Valpoi police station, has been suspended over allegations of possessing disproportionate assets during his tenure at Valpoi.
“A separate complaint concerning Naik is also pending enquiry before the anti-corruption branch,” Gupta said.
Another police constable, Sumesh Mandrekar, has been suspended and departmental action initiated in connection with his alleged involvement in a narcotics case registered at Colvale police station.
“Mandrekar has been chargesheeted in the case,” Gupta said.
The SP added that Goa Police will not tolerate misconduct, corruption or breaches of discipline, and that appropriate action will be taken against personnel found violating the law, service rules or expected standards of conduct.