At redressal meetings, police tackle civic and family issues

Panaji: Property disputes, family disputes, money transfers in good faith, encroachment on properties, parking issues, and blocking access by neighbour were some of the issues raised by the public with senior police officers at the Public Grievances Redressal meetings.

A total of 25 petitions were submitted, and 100 people attended the meetings at various police stations. “The complainants were assured of speedy redressal of their grievances,” SP (North) Rahul Gupta said.

Gupta said that not caring for senior citizens, property disputes, traffic issues and civil disputes were some of the issues discussed at the meeting.

Those who filed complaints and saw no action initiated by police attended the meeting. A deputy superintendent of police (DySP) heard the grievances and directed police to take necessary action to resolve the issues.

During the meeting, some people said they gave money in good faith to a person who is now unwilling to return it despite repeated requests. Police told those who borrowed the money to return it to the complainant.

In some cases, people raised issues of hardships due to road access being denied. Police directed parties not to block road access and cause inconvenience to the public, and they agreed to the suggestions made by police.

In some matters, families approached police to resolve their family property disputes. Police saw a case wherein one brother feared he might not receive any share in the property as his parents favoured the other brother. Some people raised concerns about encroachments on their properties.

On June 21, Gupta will be available at Bicholim police station, SDPO Panaji at Agasaim, SDPO Mapusa at Anjuna, and SDPO Pernem at Mopa.

On June 28, he will be available at Colvale, SDPO Porvorim at Saligao, and SDPO Mapusa at Valpoi police station.

“The SDPOs are instructed to hear the grievances and make all possible efforts to resolve issues by giving timely solutions/justice. The SDPOs will maintain a record of visitors attended by them and follow up on the action suggested or directions issued,” the SP said.

Additionally, PIs of police stations will be mandatorily available in the police station from 4pm to 6pm every day to redress public grievances.

On April 22, Goa police launched ‘Samadhan’ — aimed to become the ear of the public and help them find an appropriate solution for their grievances, but after some time, it was stopped. Across the state, people were invited to the police stations to discuss their issues with the SDPOs.

During the launch of Samadhan, police said it came to their notice that people were unable to meet the SPs and DySPs, so they were approaching the DGP to get their issues resolved.