The very proactive MLA Michael Lobo must be applauded for highlighting the issue of the 19 year old innocent Calangute youth John Fernandes who was mercilessly beaten by the cops. Then we have the case in South Goa of the police and the doctors conniving to high-handedly shield the accused politicians who grievously assaulted RTI activist Jowett D’Souza. These two attacks this week only depicts how the law and order in Goa has gone for a toss.
There should be Zero tolerance to any brutality. In the discharge of their duties the police require to act very professionally besides being service oriented and free from any extraneous influences but accountable to the people. The Supreme Court has time and again mandated that the Police need to be totally insulated from any political control with the politicians having no say whatsoever in the selection, promotion and the transfer of police personnel. Despite this Goa is currently witnessing a total collapse in the law and order situation with even high ranking police officers acting as ‘Karyakartas’ of the ruling BJP. Ironically it is not the DGP but the Ministers and some ruling MLA’s who decide which police personnel will run which police station. The caged police fret and shy from even registering an F.I.R and taking action against the rich, mighty and the politically well connected. It is only if discipline and accountability flows from the top down to the constabulary, will the police force be able to fulfill its mandate in truly serving the people strictly in accordance with law. Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: [email protected] Or [email protected] You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires
