It isn’t surprising that the Supreme Court’s order for installation of CCTVs in police stations has not been taken seriously in Goa. Eight months ago in December 2020, the Apex Court had ordered all States and Union Territories to compulsorily install CCTV cameras with night-vision facility in all police stations with provision for storing recorded data.
The State government has been dragging its feet over compliance with highly-placed sources claiming that lack of funds is the reason.
“As per the Centre, the Police Department has to procure the device from the GeM national portal. Goa Police’s assessment found that the cost of the entire set of security cameras cost higher than the open market. Our funds are not enough to buy this device at the moment,” sources said.
The top court, in March 2021, had pulled up the Centre and the State governments for non-compliance of its directions. The Union government, during the recently-concluded Parliament session, tabled that an advisory dated July 8 this year was issued to State and UT governments for compliance of SC order.
In Goa, sources said, reluctance to adhere to the order is also because the authorities are not in favour of bringing the entire police station under CCTV coverage. “All Police Stations should have CCTV systems installed at all entry and exit points; main gate of the police station; all lock-ups; all corridors; lobby/the reception area; all verandahs/outhouses, Inspector’s room; Sub-Inspector’s room; areas outside the lock-up room; station hall; in front of the police station compound; outside (not inside) washrooms/toilets; Duty Officer’s room; back part of the police station, etc,” the order stated.
A senior police officer justified that Goa’s major police stations do have CCTV surveillance but also agreed that the coverage is not 100 per cent. Goa Police did report alleged human rights violations and custodial deaths in the past while many such violations could possibly have been silently buried. Alleged custodial killing of NRI Cipriano Fernandes in Panjim Police custody in January 2011 and death of a murder suspect Rajana, alias Kalyani alias Babita Ragnu Gawade, two months later sent shivers down one’s spine.
