“Batra, a Delhiite, stands accused of allegedly killing a local woman in a tragic accident which has left the community in shock and mourning. As reports surfaced of the DGP ordering an investigation into the incident, the Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Pernem, Asish Shirodkar, submitted a report concerning the use of a private vehicle to transport Batra for legal procedures. Eyewitnesses noted that the accused was shuttled in a car with tinted windows, heightening suspicions about the nature of his treatment by law enforcement.”
The recent fatal hit-and-run incident in Mandrem has ignited fierce discussions about justice and fairness within the law enforcement system in Goa.
Following public outcry over the perceived preferential treatment given to the accused, a Delhi resident named Deepan Batra, who is charged with running over a local woman, the Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar has initiated an inquiry into the matter.
Batra, a Delhiite, stands accused of allegedly killing a local woman in a tragic accident which has left the community in shock and mourning. As reports surfaced of the DGP ordering an investigation into the incident, the Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Pernem, Asish Shirodkar, submitted a report concerning the use of a private vehicle to transport Batra for legal procedures. Eyewitnesses noted that the accused was shuttled in a car with tinted windows, heightening suspicions about the nature of his treatment by law enforcement.
The incident raises pressing questions about accountability and equality in the application of law. Superintendent of Police (SP) North Goa, Akshat Kaushal, assured the public that if any intentional negligence by officers is uncovered, appropriate disciplinary actions will follow. However, many locals remain skeptical, recalling previous instances where influential individuals appeared to evade justice, often due to their political connections or social standing.
Public sentiment has been nothing short of outrage, as demonstrated by growing protests and expressions of disbelief on social media. “This isn’t just an accident; this is a murder,” one local resident asserted, questioning why an accused in such a serious crime would be afforded luxuries such as an air-conditioned vehicle for what should clearly be a serious legal process. The perception of ‘VIP treatment’ has sparked fears that justice may not be served equitably, particularly when the victim hails from the local community while the accused is from outside the state.
The outcry reflects a broader concern about systemic issues in law enforcement, particularly regarding the treatment of powerful individuals versus vulnerable locals. The Goa police have been criticized for their alleged connections with influential figures from northern states, leading to a narrative where justice is seen to be swayed by political or financial might. As one concerned citizen aptly put it, “Why this preferential treatment when a local Goan is brutally killed?”
The inquiry ordered by DGP Alok Kumar serves as a crucial test for the Goa police force. Citizens are hoping that transparent and fair investigations will mend the rift between law enforcement and local communities. The call for accountability could prompt necessary reform within the police system, ensuring that individuals are treated equally under the law, regardless of their background or connections.
In a state where tourism and local livelihoods intermingle, the way that law enforcement handles such incidents will significantly impact public trust and the overall perception of safety. The Goa police have a pivotal role in restoring faith in the judicial system, and as the investigation unfolds, the eyes of the public are watching closely to see if justice will prevail for the grieving family and the community at large.
