Goa Police DGP to cops: Do NOT stop vehicles without spotting any visible violation

In recent times, a lot of locals and tourists have faced unnecessary harassment at the hands of Goa Police. After the rising concerns, Goa Police has issued a circular for all the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DYSP) of traffic, Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) and in-charges of traffic and police stations to stop a vehicle only if it violates a traffic law, and not otherwise. The order, issued by DGP Jaspal Singh, also adds that if anyone is seen violating the traffic laws, they are bound to get a challan.

The decision was issued by DGP Jaspal Singh after reviewing the functions and arrangements of the traffic unit of Goa on Thursday. According to him, this decision will help the people, especially tourists, to not face unnecessary hassles and wastage of time. While speaking to the media, Singh said that the tourists visiting Goa should leave the state with happy memories. He also added that no nakas (barriers) will be put up on the highways unless any order from the Superintendent of Police (SP) of traffic is issued.

Decision made for tourists

Apart from taking this important decision, DGP Jaspal Singh also reviewed the functioning of traffic signals, after which he guided the traffic police for adjusting the timing of traffic signals depending on the intensity and congestion of traffic in different places of Goa. He also ordered the rectification of faulty traffic signals.

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The decision by Goa Police has come after the monsoon session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, where MLAs requested Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, to give directions to Goa Police to not harass tourists visiting Goa. One of the MLAs and the leader of the opposition, Michael Lobo, also suggested that a sticker should be pasted on the vehicle with the date so that it is not stopped further by the traffic police on the same day as part of routine checks.

Even the IGP of Goa Police, Omvir Singh, confirmed that the general public and tourists are stopped unnecessarily for checking documents and verifications of their vehicles as a part of their daily routine. As a result of this daily practice, the public, especially the tourists, are facing inconvenience. He added that the work of the police is to be problem solvers and not the problem creator. The primary role of traffic police is to monitor the flow of traffic and focus on the smooth operation of the traffic.

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