MARGAO: The controversy over the transfer of Colva Police Station in-charge PI Videsh Shirodkar has escalated, with Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas demanding an inquiry into a reported claim that another inspector would take charge of the station within 10 days.
Shirodkar was transferred following a police raid on an alleged online gambling operation in the Colva area. Viegas has now asked senior police officials to identify the officer who reportedly made the claim and examine whether the officer has any connection with the gambling activities uncovered during the raid.
The MLA has urged DGP, South Goa SP Tikam Singh and Margao SDPO Sidhant Shirodkar to investigate the matter. He warned that failure to identify the officer or properly examine the allegations would prompt him to approach the Vigilance Department and raise the issue in the Goa Legislative Assembly.
Viegas said he would continue to oppose gambling, drugs and prostitution in the Colva police station jurisdiction. While he acknowledged that he could not say with certainty whether PI Videsh Shirodkar’s transfer was linked solely to the gambling raid, he said the reported “10-day” claim warranted serious scrutiny.
Viegas further alleged that the unidentified inspector had links to the gambling activities targeted in the raid and demanded that the police department establish the officer’s identity and take action if the allegations are proved.
Meanwhile, Cavelossim Sarpanch Dixon Vaz has raised concerns over frequent transfers of police inspectors at Colva, saying the lack of continuity is affecting policing and the delivery of justice.
Vaz pointed to concerns over drug-related cases, illegal betting and prostitution along the coastal belt and urged the local MLA to intervene. He also questioned how effective policing could be maintained when the Colva station is reportedly facing a shortage of personnel despite covering a large and busy tourist area.
