Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: The controversy surrounding the transfer of Colva Police Station in-charge PI Videsh Shirodkar has intensified after Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas raised questions over a reported claim that another police inspector would take charge of the station within 10 days.
Shirodkar was transferred after the Colva police team conducted a raid on an alleged online gambling operation. Viegas has now urged senior police officials to identify the inspector who reportedly made the statement and investigate whether the officer has any connection with the gambling activities uncovered during the raid.
The MLA has called upon the Director General of Police, South Goa SP Tikam Singh and Margao SDPO Sidhant Shirodkar to look into the matter. He warned that if the officer is not identified and the allegations are not properly investigated, he would approach the Vigilance Department and raise the issue in the Goa Legislative Assembly.
Viegas said he would oppose gambling, drugs and prostitution in the Colva police station jurisdiction. He also said he was not certain whether PI Videsh Shirodkar’s transfer was solely linked to the gambling raid or was prompted by other administrative considerations.
However, he termed the reported claim about returning to head the Colva station within 10 days as a serious matter requiring scrutiny.
Viegas further alleged that the inspector referred to in the report had links to the gambling activities targeted in the police raid. He called for the police department to establish the officer’s identity and take appropriate action if the allegations are substantiated.
He also said officers allegedly seeking to use their position for financial gain through gambling or extortion should not be allowed to influence postings at Colva.
Frequent Transfers Raise Public Concern: Dixon Vaz
Cavelossim Sarpanch Dixon Vaz has separately raised concerns over the frequent changes of police inspectors at Colva Police Station, saying the instability is affecting the public and delaying the delivery of justice.
Vaz said the situation was particularly worrying given the reported rise in drug-related cases, illegal betting and prostitution along the coastal belt.
He urged the local MLA to intervene and questioned how effective policing could be ensured when the Colva police station is facing a shortage of personnel despite its responsibility for a large and busy tourist area.
