Rs 170 cheese garlic naan has echo in Goa assembly, lands cop in trouble

Dispute over a Rs 170 garlic naan. That’s what led the Goa Police to initiate a departmental inquiry against a sub-inspector accused of abusing and threatening an employee of a restaurant in North Goa.

The incident was reported after a restaurant owner in Porvorim alleged misconduct by the police official. Police said the sub-inspector and his friend had gone to the restaurant for a meal and, after the meal, got into an argument with the staff over the “excessive” price of a cheese garlic naan.

A purported CCTV video of the incident went viral on social media, showing the police official and another man confronting a staffer at the restaurant. The issue was flagged in the legislative Assembly on Wednesday by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao.

Terming the incident “shocking”, Congress MLA Alemao demanded the suspension of the police official. “Yesterday in the House, we discussed the deteriorating law and order situation and today this allegation has come of police high-handedness in a restaurant in Porvorim,” he said.

Responding to the issue, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said an inquiry had been initiated. In a statement, the Goa Police said: “PSI Viraj Sawant, posted at Porvorim police station, has been attached to GRP, Altinho for his alleged misbehaviour with hotel staff and further departmental action is initiated.” It added: “Goa Police reiterates that misconduct, corruption and violation of service discipline will not be tolerated.

Appropriate action will be taken against any police personnel found violating the law, service rules or the standards of conduct expected of members of the force. The disciplinary proceedings are being conducted in accordance with the prescribed rules and principles of natural justice.” Pavneet Singh Chadha is the Goa Correspondent of The Indian Express.

His reporting focuses intensely on the state of Goa, covering major developments in politics, governance, and significant local events, which establishes his high degree of Expertise and Authority in the region.

Expertise Geographic Expertise: As the Goa correspondent, Pavneet provides on-the-ground, comprehensive coverage of Goa's political, social, and cultural landscape, ensuring readers receive timely and localized insights.

Key Coverage Focus: His recent work demonstrates deep investigative capabilities and a focus on high-impact stories, including: Investigative Reporting: Extensive coverage of complex events such as major incidents (e.g., the Goa nightclub fire), tracing the legal, political, and safety lapses involved.

Government and Law Enforcement: Detailed tracking of police actions, deportations, and legal proceedings related to significant local cases. Policy and Governance: Reporting on the judiciary (e.g., Goa High Court flagging illegal structures) and the actions of government departments.

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