Daijiworld Media Network - Cansaulim

Cansaulim, Aug 20: Cansaulim Panchayat, led by Sarpanch Savio Pereira, along with Velsao social worker Roquezinho D’Souza, has raised concerns over the shortage of police personnel at Verna Police Station, which caters to a large jurisdiction.

D’Souza said he has written to Goa Chief Minister and Home Minister Pramod Sawant seeking immediate intervention and an increase in the strength of personnel at the police station.

He said the government should reassess the population and area covered by Verna Police Station and increase its sanctioned strength accordingly.

According to D’Souza, no fresh assessment of the police station's requirements has been carried out for nearly 20 years. Although the sanctioned strength is 110 personnel, only 76 posts have been filled, he said.

He added that the effective strength is even lower as some personnel are on leave while others have been transferred, further putting pressure on the available staff.

D’Souza also highlighted security concerns in Zuarinagar, which has a population of more than 20,000 but is currently served by a single police outpost staffed by just two personnel.

Cansaulim Sarpanch Savio Pereira also called for the immediate deployment of additional personnel at Verna Police Station, stating that strengthening the staff would help ensure its smooth and effective functioning and improve public safety in the area.