In North Goa last month, two officers from the India Reserve Battalion (IRB) were arrested after a shooting that injured two sand‑miners on the banks of the Terekhol River. The incident stirred fresh tension over illegal sand mining in the region, a practice locals say threatens their paddy fields and farms.
Goa’s Director General of Police, Alok Kumar, ordered that the two IRB constables, Rishikesh Mahale and Gangaram Mahale, be suspended immediately. He confirmed the start of an internal police inquiry and warned that those involved in criminal acts will face full police action.
The shooters were caught by a team from the Pernem police, led by Inspector Sachin Lokare. Using forensic and technical intelligence, the officers seized seven suspects – including the two IRB men – all of whom have reportedly admitted their guilt. One victim, Ramrishi Paswan, was hit in the neck, while his colleague, Lalbabu God, suffered injuries to his hand and abdomen.
North Goa Superintendent Rahul Gupta had already named the two IRB officers, but DGP Kumar clarified the story the next day. He added that bad behaviour by a few police officers does not tarnish the entire state force, but accountability remains essential.
The investigation suggests the shooting stemmed from disputes over territorial control of the sand‑mining area. Local villagers remain angry, arguing that the mining operation causes irreversible damage to their land.
Source: ianslive
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