Announcing a slew of measures to curb harassment of both local residents and tourists in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said only police inspectors with body cameras will now be authorized to issue challans (fines) for traffic violations during the day time.
During the night time, either police inspectors or sub-inspectors with cameras installed on their uniform will be allowed to issue challans for traffic violations, he said, adding the new rule has come into effect from Friday (April 4). The CM also warned that tourists who arrive in the state with gas stoves to cook on the road will face strict police action.
Sawant was addressing a press conference at Mantralaya (secretariat) at Porvorim after chairing a meeting of high-ranking officials to review the implementation of new criminal laws (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam) in Goa.
He informed the state police will identify traffic violations through methods like dash cameras, digital cameras installed on the road side or other gadgets with Artificial Intelligence (AI). He clarified that no official of the rank of constable, head constable or assistant sub-inspector (ASI) will be eligible to issue challans.
“If anyone of that rank (constable, head constable or ASI) is found issuing challan, then citizens can click their pictures and send them to the police department. Such officials will be suspended from duty,” Sawant warned. However, taluka nodal officers with body camera can issue challans, he said. “These measures will stop harassment of locals and tourists. They will also do away with allegations levelled against police officers (of asking for bribes),” the CM emphasised
