Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa Police has initiated disciplinary action against five personnel over separate allegations ranging from misconduct and corruption to disproportionate assets and alleged involvement in a drug-related case.
According to Goa Police, Head Clerk Mukund Menkurkar/Lamgaonkar has been suspended and departmental proceedings have been initiated for allegedly inducing persons facing departmental enquiries to purchase LIC policies through his wife, who is an LIC agent.
LDC Pratap Sawant has also been placed under suspension, with departmental proceedings initiated over allegations that he collected money from Home Guards on the promise of securing employment.
Police Constable Gauresh Gawas, presently attached to Porvorim Police Station and previously posted at Valpoi Police Station, has been suspended over allegations of possessing disproportionate assets during his posting at Valpoi. A separate complaint concerning Gawas is also pending before the Anti-Corruption Bureau for enquiry, police said.
Police Constable Sumesh Mandrekar, buckle number 9676, has been suspended and departmental action initiated in connection with Crime No. 36/2026 registered at Colvale Police Station under Section 20(b)(ii)(A) of the NDPS Act. Goa Police said Mandrekar has been charge-sheeted in the case.
PSI Viraj Sawant, posted at Porvorim Police Station, has meanwhile been attached to the GRP at Altinho following allegations of misbehaviour with hotel staff. Further departmental action has also been initiated against him.
The police action comes amid concerns raised in the Goa Legislative Assembly by Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira during a discussion on law and order.
Ferreira raised allegations concerning bribery, collection of money in connection with government jobs, disproportionate assets and alleged irregularities involving jail personnel. He sought independent verification of the allegations and strict action against anyone found guilty.
Responding to the concerns, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant directed the Director General of Police to conduct an inquiry into the allegations.
The Chief Minister assured the House that if wrongdoing is established, strict action would follow, including suspension wherever necessary. He also said that a case involving a suspended police constable allegedly linked to a drug-related matter would be examined and action taken in accordance with law.
Goa Police reiterated that misconduct, corruption and violations of service discipline will not be tolerated. It said appropriate action would be taken against personnel found violating the law, service rules or the standards of conduct expected of members of the force.
The department also clarified that the disciplinary proceedings are being conducted in accordance with prescribed rules and the principles of natural justice.
