Panaji: The Goa Police has assured the high court that all possible measures are being taken to ensure investigations are not hampered, with optimal utilisation of available personnel and efforts underway to fill vacant posts. Responding to the high court’s suo motu petition based on a Times of India report dated July 28, 2025, titled ‘Almost 90% police stations in Goa facing staff shortage’, Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Tushar Vernekar stated that recruitment and promotion processes are in progress.
Vacancy Details and Recruitment Efforts
In an affidavit submitted to the court, Vernekar disclosed that as of September 1, 2025, a total of 661 posts were vacant across the Goa Police department. He added that vacancies arising due to superannuation are being filled immediately to maintain operational efficiency.
The affidavit further stated that all vacant posts of police inspectors, sub-inspectors, assistant sub-inspectors, and head constables up to December 31, 2025, have been filled through promotions of eligible personnel who secured vigilance clearance. For officers facing departmental inquiries or criminal trials, promotion recommendations have been kept in sealed cover, and action will be taken once the embargo is lifted.
Promotion Process for Deputy Superintendent of Police
Regarding promotions to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, Vernekar informed the court that a proposal will be sent to the government after the seniority issue of police inspectors is resolved in line with high court directions in three writ petitions filed in 2023.
New Police Stations and Specialised Units
The government has initiated recruitment for feeder ranks through the Goa Staff Selection Commission. Additionally, police stations at Saligao, Mandrem, Mardol, Fatorda, and Colvale, a police outpost at Socorro-Porvorim, and traffic cells at Fatorda and Porvorim were established with government approval on the condition that existing staff be utilised. However, in October 2025, the department sought additional manpower for these units.
Specialised units such as the cybercrime cell, anti-human trafficking cell, and economic offences cell have been created to ensure efficient investigation of complex cases.
Investigation and Future Plans
Vernekar asserted that investigations in all cases are conducted in a speedy manner by adhering to the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023. He further revealed that the department has proposed the creation of 2,578 additional posts across various ranks to address long-term staffing needs.
The high court had earlier observed in the suo motu petition that police shortages could directly affect the progress of criminal investigations, prompting the court to seek a detailed response from the state police.
