Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Feb 6: A woman police constable in Goa has been suspended for allegedly misappropriating Rs 17.3 lac collected in traffic fines, according to officials.

In an official statement, Goa Police confirmed that an inquiry was ordered as soon as the matter came to light.

"The concerned police personnel were suspended, and the amount in question was deposited in the government account. Further action will be taken based on the outcome of the inquiry," the statement read.

The accused constable, Pooja Gawas, was previously posted at Bicholim police station in North Goa before being transferred to the escort cell. Authorities launched an investigation after discrepancies were noticed between traffic police records and official bank deposit receipts. The issue was flagged, prompting the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) in Bicholim to initiate an inquiry.

Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira criticized the Goa government for its alleged delay in suspending the police constable.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Aldona MLA Ferreira demanded clarification on the sequence of events that led to the discovery of the financial discrepancies.

"This is a serious offence. Why was no FIR registered? Why wasn’t the constable arrested? Does she have a 'Godfather' protecting her? The failure to register an FIR raises questions about the seriousness of the inquiry," Ferreira said.

He further stated that those "looting in uniform" should not just face suspension but outright dismissal.

Ferreira called on the Goa government to disclose all details, urging Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds the Home Ministry portfolio, to reveal the official files related to the case.