Sub-inspector shifted over dispute in restaurant
Panaji: Goa police on Wednesday initiated departmental action against newly recruited Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Viraj Sawant, attached to the Porvorim police station, for reportedly misbehaving with restaurant staff during a dispute over food bill.
The incident occurred at an establishment in Porvorim, prompting a complaint to be filed at the local police station.
A police officer said that the complaint is non-cognisable and that an inquiry is currently in progress.
Following the widespread circulation of a video showing the incident on social media, the Goa police department said that Sawant has been attached to the Goa Reserve Police (GRP) in Altinho while further departmental action is undertaken.
In the footage, Sawant and another individual are seen arguing with the restaurant staff over an allegedly inflated bill, with Sawant issuing warnings regarding late-night operations. A separate video depicts the officer allegedly making threats.
Meanwhile, Goa police have suspended four personnel found violating the law, service rules or expected standards of conduct.
Among those disciplined, the department suspended Head Clerk Mukund Menkurkar/Lamgaonkar and launched departmental proceedings after he reportedly induced individuals facing internal inquiries to purchase LIC policies through his wife, who works as an LIC agent. The issue was raised in the Goa Assembly on Tuesday by Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira.
Additionally, LDC Pratap Sawant was suspended and faces departmental action for allegedly collecting money from Home Guards on the pretext of securing them employment.
The department also suspended Police Constable Gauresh Naik, currently attached to the Porvorim police station and previously posted at Valpoi, over allegations of possessing disproportionate assets during his tenure in Valpoi.
A separate complaint regarding Naik remains pending before the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
Furthermore, Police Constable Sumesh Mandrekar was previously suspended and faces departmental proceedings following his alleged involvement in a drug case registered at the Colvale police station in
which he has since been charge-sheeted.
Reassuring the public, the police issued a press release on Wednesday stating, “Goa police reiterates that misconduct, corruption and violation of service discipline will not be tolerated. Appropriate action will be taken against any police personnel. The disciplinary proceedings are being conducted in accordance with the prescribed rules and principles of natural justice.”
