By Pradeep Padgaonkar
Police are said to be the protectors of civil society. Amongst the numerous ‘Social Responsibilities’ of the Police one of the very important ones is to preserve, promote and protect human rights and interests of weaker sections, backward classes, poor, weak and the downtrodden.
The Police Department has a big role in ensuring safe feelings in the minds of the public. People rely on them and look upon them as saviours. It is the duty of the Police in general to create and maintain a feeling of security in the community, Police are responsible for preventing crimes, and reducing the opportunities for such crimes.
However, the recent reports in media that the Call Details Record (CDR) are being leaked by junior police staff and shared with the criminals makes one feel very unsafe.
The credit of the police department is totally at stake when one happens to read such reports. Why does this happen? Who is responsible for this? Police department which comes under the State Home Ministry has to follow certain norms and procedures. But why do police act in such a way that people start losing trust in them?
The police department is overburdened, the staff works continuously for 24 or more hours. They do not get to enjoy festival holidays. Many times is this the reason for the frustration? Or are they being harassed by their superiors and government officials by giving orders to do something against their principles? It is a known fact that many times there is political interference in police station activities.
Many times when crimes are reported, immediately they are brought to the notice of politicians.
They instruct the concerned police station in charge either to release the person without registering an FIR or they are told to make the case weak with loopholes.
The honest policeman, if any, in the department loses interest in the job and works merely for the salary when such instances happen.
And how do you justify the decision of the government when criminals are given a chance to be an active part of the government? If one remembers the instance that happened in February 2008 where a famous politician led a mob of more than 200 people and attacked Panaji police station, he will understand the cause behind the police department’s morale being low.
The politician who attacked the headquarters with his supporters also had assured the mob that they would be creating history along the lines of the Hindi film ‘Halla Bol.’ The attack which started in the evening continued till midnight when finally the police retaliated.
But mind you, each and every policeman is not sold out.
The then PI Sudesh Naik lodged an FIR without any fear. Salute to the Former Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Mohan Naik who has remained firm with his deposition in the case. Naik stated that earlier he had requested the politician (now a minister in the state cabinet) to disperse the mob but he continued and on the contrary, incited the mob to attack the police station.
In his recent appearance before the court, Naik identified the former mayor of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) among others in connection with the 2008 Panaji police station attack case. Few upright officers like the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Retired) continue to raise the morale of his staff.
News about the leakage of Call Details
Record (CDR) by the police has created a sensation in the society. Doubts are being raised about the honesty of police when such secret information is being shared with or passed on to criminals. The details of such information are strictly to be kept safely within the department and it is the responsibility of the Police Station In charge. The department needs to be more diligent. The Chief of the Police needs to act. He should clarify the doubts in the minds of people. Home Ministry should ensure that all is well and keep away police department away from the benefits of political favours. The Chief Minister should rise to the occasion. What will he do?
(Note: Pradeep Padgaonkar is a noted journalist, theatre artist and a well-known politician)
