Goa Police Investigation Stalls as Dacoity Cases Remain Unsolved After One Year
Panaji: A full year has passed since two terrifying dacoities rocked residential areas in Goa, yet the state police remain completely clueless about apprehending the primary culprits responsible. The investigations into both the Dona Paula and Mapusa incidents have now been formally transferred to the crime branch for further probing, highlighting the lack of progress in these high-profile cases.
Arrests Limited to Accomplices as Main Offenders Evade Capture
In a concerning development, law enforcement authorities have only managed to detain individuals who allegedly provided information and logistical support to the main accused. The principal offenders behind both violent robberies continue to evade justice, raising serious questions about investigative efficacy. North Goa Superintendent of Police Harishchandra Madkaikar has officially confirmed that both cases have been handed over to the specialized crime branch unit.
Traumatic Ordeal for Elderly Dempo Couple in Dona Paula
The first incident occurred in April last year when three dagger-wielding robbers forcibly entered the Dona Paula residence of an elderly couple between midnight and 4 AM. The assailants tied up 77-year-old Jaiprakash Dempo and his 71-year-old wife, Padmini, after first assaulting their security guard. This harrowing crime only came to light when a domestic helper arrived the following morning, freed the bound couple, and immediately alerted the police. Nearly six months later, authorities arrested one person allegedly involved in identifying the targeted house.
Mapusa Home Invasion by Burqa-Clad Gang
In a separate but equally disturbing incident last October, at least six armed individuals disguised in burqas robbed approximately Rs 35 lakh in cash and valuables from a house in Ganeshpuri, Mapusa. The robbery occurred between 3 AM and 5 AM, with the gang—armed with knives and iron rods—holding Dr. Mahendra Ghanekar hostage. Shockingly, the perpetrators ate food from the household and forced the doctor's elderly mother to prepare tea for them. Family members, including the doctor, his wife, his mother, and another relative, were tied up using bedsheets and a sari, with pillow covers used as gags. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with this case.
Former Police Official Criticizes Current Policing Practices
Former Superintendent of Police Bossuet Silva has launched scathing criticism against current policing methods, asserting that personnel lack sincerity in their field duties. "What is happening today is after duty, police personnel leave. There should be proper briefings and there should be twice roll call like how it used to happen earlier," Silva emphasized.
He further alleged that First Information Reports in theft and burglary cases are frequently delayed, creating significant investigative hurdles. "Once the accused is caught, police register FIRs and sudden rise in detection raises panic in public as it is connected to sudden rise in crime," Silva explained.
Warning About Consequences of Delayed Crime Registration
Silva issued a stark warning that failure to promptly register crimes fundamentally weakens subsequent investigations. "If there is no registration of crime, police will not make any effort to detect the case, and it results in an increase in confidence of the accused," he stated. "If there are no efforts to trace the accused, then small-time burglars turn into big-time burglars. Police should register the crime the day it is reported so that police become active to trace the accused."
The combination of unsolved violent crimes and internal criticism points to systemic challenges within Goa's law enforcement apparatus as victims await justice one year after their traumatic experiences.
