In keeping with the provisions of the law, the Supreme Court has reiterated through various judgments that the Police have to be totally and absolutely insulated from any political influence or machinations whatsoever. Bureaucrats regardless of their position are duty bound to uphold only the Rule of Law at all times.
Bearing this in mind, the statement made by Goa’s current DGP Mukesh Kumar Meena is outrageous and very high handed. While publicly threatening those who are trying to save the remaining lungs of Goa, DGP Meena has had the audacity to cross his brief and state that those three very controversial projects being opposed by the people are in the national interest and were being executed after proper study and research. On what basis has the DGP come to that conclusion and taken it upon on himself to speak on policy decisions taken by the Government? Doesn’t the DGP know that these controversial projects which are against the interests of Goa are being opposed by people across the State including even some Ministers and ruling MLA? These biased statements by the DGP are ever so reckless and has tarnished the reputation of the Goa Police by acting as a political tool of the Government. DGP Meena should either seek a voluntary transfer out of Goa or withdraw those statements while apologizing to the people of Goa. Goa’s current lawlessness is there for all to see, and it reflects the inefficiency of the now politically controlled and maneuvered Goa Police who by their acts of omission and commission have miserably failed to ensure Law and Order in Goa’s once most tranquil State. It now brings into question the competence and partisan attitude of DGP Meena whose conduct should otherwise have been exemplary. Instead he is now sadly publicly proven to be a mouth piece of the government. Integrity is the foundation of law enforcement. Anyone lacking in integrity should not be in law enforcement at any levels. Police officers must be dedicated public servants who are sworn to protect public safety at any and all times. They must uphold the law and not act as cheer leaders while never daring to be dumb mouthpieces for a party or Government in Power. In failing to do so, our DGP Meena’s utterances sadly indicate that he has only eroded public confidence and trust in the very people that look to him for protection. Instead of making political statements which he by law is not entitled to, DGP Meena should reflect as to why all criminal offences in Goa are not being duly registered. The Government wants to project to the world that Goa is a Safe Haven while the grim ground reality is starkly there to the contrary. Earlier, Goa’s Police Force was captained by an IGP. Fond memories of then IGP of the early 1970s Mr. M.B. Kaushal. I had the privilege of interacting with him and every subsequent IGP and the DGPs who served in Goa. I have seen the good, very good and the not so good, but DGP Meena in his short tenure is so sadly proving beyond reasonable doubt that he is emerging to be the worst of the lot. Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: airesrodrigu...@gmail.com Or airesrodrig...@yahoo.com You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires www.airesrodrigues.com