PANAJI: Aldona MLA Adv Carlos Alvares Ferreira has called for the immediate arrest of Police Inspector Vikas Deykar and a woman named Ranjini Palyekar, both of whom have been booked for the sexual assault of a minor girl.
Ferreira questioned why Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds the Home portfolio, has not yet ordered the arrest of the duo.
“This recent incident of Deykar and Palyekar, having been booked for sexually assaulting a minor girl who came to the police station for help, is a certificate on how the BJP handles such sensitive matters. Look at the guts of the inspector, committing the crime inside the police station. I am told that he ensured that CCTV cameras were blocked, but no action has been taken against him. Is he well-connected? Is he a blue-eyed boy in the police force? Has he got the backing of the Home Minister, because he received the colours of the police flag in his hand?” he said.
Ferreira said that such protection to Deykar and Palyekar cannot happen unless there is a godfather within the police force and among politicians.
“Is someone afraid that he and she will spill the beans and expose the police or some high-level politicians? Why is the BJP Mahila Mandal quiet? Chief Minister Pramod Sawant should give the order to arrest both the accused. Goa awaits action from the CM and the DGP,” he said.
The Aldona MLA recalled the incident involving journalist Tarun Tejpal, who was charged with the offence of molesting a woman. He said that even before the victim could arrive in Goa to register her complaint, the state government had registered an FIR suo motu and arrested Tejpal.
When Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar was confronted by the press, he stated that Deykar was suspended.
Ferreira said that he trusts the DGP to be an honest officer who is genuinely working to improve law and order.
“But when a criminal in uniform is let loose, it is clear that the entire system is crumbling. Deykar could not have had the guts unless he had the protection of his bosses and political masters. Every FIR does not necessarily mean an arrest has to follow immediately, but why have the Inspector and the woman involved not been arrested like Tejpal? This assumes importance especially when we have a criminal in uniform; he wields considerable power, can influence the investigation, and intimidate witnesses. He can pressurise his subordinates. What is his connection with Palyekar? How long has she known him? Was she providing him with special services, or was she his agent?” he said.
Ferreira also hit out at the BJP government for spending crores of rupees on events while paying mere lip service to women’s safety.
“A month back, I addressed a press conference on women’s safety. I had specifically made an allegation that Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao was only a slogan and that the BJP and BJP governments across India were not bothered about women’s safety. It continues to be true, as can be seen not just on a day-to-day basis, but every hour. I also highlighted that the Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognisance of the disturbing events of crimes against women in Delhi. I asked the Goa government specifically: do we need to await a tragedy to awaken the government to take steps to make public spaces like parks, gardens, footpaths, markets, and tourist spots, including beaches, safe for women and other citizens? Has the Goa government done anything to improve the safety of women, at least now? They only host events, spending crores of rupees for each event—for what purpose? Only to promote the BJP,” he said.
