Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Aldona MLA Adv. Carlos Alvares Ferreira has demanded the immediate arrest of Police Inspector Vikas Deykar and Ranjini Palyekar, both booked in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a minor girl, and questioned why Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds the Home portfolio, has not ordered their arrest.
Reacting to the case, Ferreira alleged that the incident reflected the BJP government’s handling of sensitive matters concerning women’s safety. He claimed that the alleged offence took place inside a police station and further alleged that CCTV cameras had been blocked. He questioned why no action beyond the reported suspension of the inspector had been taken.
“Is he well-connected? Is he a blue-eyed boy in the police force? Has he got the backing of the Home Minister?” Ferreira asked, alleging that the accused could be receiving protection from influential people within the police force and political circles.
He questioned whether anyone was apprehensive that the accused might reveal information implicating police personnel or politicians. Ferreira also asked why the BJP Mahila Mandal had remained silent and called on Chief Minister Sawant and Director General of Police Alok Kumar to act.
The Aldona MLA drew a comparison with the case involving journalist Tarun Tejpal, who was charged with molesting a woman. Ferreira said the state government had registered an FIR suo motu and arrested Tejpal even before the complainant could arrive in Goa to lodge her complaint.
Referring to the DGP’s reported statement that Deykar had been suspended, Ferreira said he believed Alok Kumar was an honest officer committed to improving law and order. However, he questioned whether suspension alone was sufficient in the present case.
Ferreira argued that the inspector’s position within the police force could allow him to influence the investigation, intimidate witnesses or exert pressure on subordinate personnel. He also raised questions about the nature of the relationship between Deykar and Palyekar, and how long they had known each other.
“Every FIR does not necessarily mean an arrest has to follow immediately, but why have the Inspector and the woman involved not been arrested like Tejpal?” he asked, reiterating his demand for action against both accused.
Ferreira also criticised the BJP government over what he described as its failure to take adequate measures to ensure women’s safety, despite spending crores of rupees on public events.
Recalling a press conference he had addressed a month earlier, Ferreira said he had questioned whether the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign had remained merely a slogan, alleging that governments led by the BJP were not doing enough to protect women.
He also referred to the Supreme Court taking suo motu cognisance of crimes against women in Delhi and questioned whether Goa needed to wait for a major tragedy before improving safety in public spaces.
Ferreira asked what steps the state government had taken to make parks, gardens, footpaths, markets, tourist spots and beaches safer for women and other citizens. He alleged that the government was more focused on organising expensive events and promoting the BJP than addressing public safety concerns.
