MAPUSA
Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira has demanded the registration of an FIR and the arrest of police personnel allegedly involved in the recent assault of five persons, including a minor, at the Maina-Curtorim police station.
Condemning the incident, Ferreira described the suspended constables as “criminals in uniform” and said mere suspension and departmental inquiry were inadequate.
“Any assault by police personnel, whether in uniform or not, is unacceptable. Such behaviour cannot flourish without strong political patronage. We need to weed out elements that bring a bad name to the police force and law and order machinery,” he said.
According to Ferreira, the victims were picked up following a dispute at Davorlim-Dicarpale and were allegedly assaulted after being taken to the police station.
He said police personnel are expected to maintain responsibility and discipline at all times, irrespective of whether they are on duty.
“People who assault citizens who come to a police station seeking justice are criminals in uniform,” he said.
Referring to reports that the victims were taken to a room without CCTV coverage, Ferreira said footage would nevertheless show them being escorted there.
The MLA also sought intervention from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who holds the Home portfolio, and questioned his silence on the matter.
He urged authorities to initiate criminal proceedings against all those involved, saying police excesses were becoming increasingly frequent and were being carried out with impunity.
