Goa Checkpoint Row: IAS Officer’s Car Stopped for Inspection, SP Orders Policemen to Do Squats, Sparks Controversy

A controversy has erupted in Goa after police personnel were allegedly made to perform squats as punishment for stopping the car of an IAS officer during a routine vehicle-checking drive. The incident has triggered sharp reactions within the police force, with the Director General of Police (DGP) terming the action “inappropriate.”

The incident took place in Santa Cruz, North Goa, where police from the Old Goa Police Station and the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBn) were conducting a routine naka (checkpoint). During the checking, a four-wheeler bearing a BR registration number and heading towards Panaji was stopped like any other vehicle.

According to police officials, the driver of the car identified himself as an IAS officer posted with the Central Government, who had travelled to Goa from Delhi in his personal Innova vehicle. When asked to move the car slightly forward and show his driving licence, the officer allegedly waved his identity card, asserted his position as an IAS officer and drove away, visibly annoyed.

Police personnel further claimed that a few minutes later, the IAS officer returned to the spot, opened the boot of his car, took out his belongings and threw them onto the road, asking the policemen to carry out the inspection. He later picked up the items, put them back into the boot and left the spot. Subsequently, the officer reportedly lodged a complaint with a senior police official over the incident.

Following the complaint, North Goa Superintendent of Police Harishchandra Madkaikar was asked to look into the matter. On Tuesday, the SP summoned the policemen involved to his office in Porvorim and allegedly ordered them to hold their ears and perform squats as a form of punishment.

The action, however, drew criticism from within the police establishment. Goa DGP Alok Kumar stated that the SP’s conduct was not appropriate. “I have spoken to the SP and told him that instead of asking policemen to squat, he should ensure that rules and procedures are followed,” the DGP said. He added that policemen deployed at checkpoints must be properly briefed and instructed to conduct vehicle checks politely and professionally.

Senior police officers expressed concern that such public reprimands demoralise the force. “Punishing policemen in this manner lowers morale and makes them hesitant to perform their duties fearlessly,” said an officer familiar with the incident.

The episode has once again raised questions about protocol, mutual respect between civil servants and police personnel, and the need for uniform enforcement of law—irrespective of rank—while also ensuring dignity and professionalism within the force.

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