Tag: Goa Police

TechPulse

Social Media Has Replaced the Traditional Police Khabri, Says SP Sunita Sawant

allycaralgoa

Panaji, November 2025 — In a thought-provoking address delivered at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias’ centenary lecture series, Superintendent of Police (SP) Sunita Sawant highlighted how the landscape of information and policing has radically shifted with the rise of social media. Once reliant on the quiet but steady presence of the khabri—the traditional informer sitting at village corners—police forces now face an overwhelming tide of digital information, much of it unverified and potentially dangerous.

“Earlier, a khabri was someone who observed community life closely—who arrived, who left, what changed,” Sawant said during her lecture titled ‘Police and Public: Expectations and Responsibilities’. “This information was discreet, dependable, and responsibly shared. Today, social media has taken over that role, but without the filters of verification or accountability.”

She warned that rumours and misinformed posts can quickly escalate into aggressive behaviour and law-and-order disruptions, making responsible digital behaviour crucial.

Despite this shift, Sawant stressed that trust between the public and police remains the backbone of effective policing. “Safety doesn’t come from enforcement alone. It comes when people share vigilance and civic responsibility. Public cooperation prevents crimes even before they occur.”

Policing as a Human Service

Sawant shared two emotional cases that shaped her approach to policing—Goa’s first human trafficking case, in which she helped secure convictions across India and Bangladesh, and a missing student she supported who later called her for blessings before her wedding.

“These moments remind us that policing is not paperwork. We are counsellors, guardians, protectors. Compassion saves futures,” she said.

Modern, Future-Ready Policing

Sawant highlighted several initiatives being strengthened within the Goa Police:

  • Commando and anti-terror training
  • Disaster response readiness
  • Upgraded investigation protocols
  • Digital community outreach through YouTube & WhatsApp

“Modern policing anticipates risk,” she noted. “We must adapt to social change and support communities long before wrongdoing occurs.”

The lecture underscored a powerful message: policing is evolving, but community trust, cooperation and responsible information-sharing remain essential pillars of public safety.

Social

Goa Police Hackathon 2025 Concludes with Award Ceremony Celebrating Student Innovation in Smart Policing

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Police Hackathon 2025 concluded with a grand award ceremony at the PHQ Conference Hall in Panaji, marking the successful completion of a 48-hour innovation marathon aimed at developing cutting-edge policing solutions for the State. The event brought together 36 teams from seven colleges across Goa, challenging students to solve real-world problems using technology and artificial intelligence.

Dignitaries including Director General of Police Shri Alok Kumar, IPS, Inspector General of Police Shri Keshav Ram Chaurasia, and Prof. Suman Kundu, Director of BITS Pilani Goa, were warmly welcomed with a floral reception. SP Cyber Crime presented a summary of the Hackathon, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of students, faculty, and Goa Police.

Top-performing teams showcased live prototypes including “Zero Code – Night Vigil,” a smart patrolling verification app; “Nagar Rakshak 2,” an AI-based assistant for visitors at police stations; and “Eternal Blue,” an analytics tool for the 112 Police Helpline. BITS Pilani Goa also presented an Investigation Timeline Monitoring Dashboard designed to support timely compliance under new criminal laws.

In his address, DGP Goa Shri Alok Kumar, IPS, praised the students for bringing “new energy and creative thinking to real policing challenges” and assured that promising solutions would be considered for field deployment. Prof. Suman Kundu expressed pride in the collaboration between BITS Pilani and Goa Police, highlighting the social impact of such initiatives and congratulating students for their teamwork under pressure.

Certificates, trophies, and appreciation letters were distributed to all participants, while mementos were presented to judges and coordinators. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by ASP Cyber Crime, followed by refreshments.

The Hackathon tackled nine problem statements, including AI-based deepfake video detection, cyber patrolling tools for fraudulent online content, e-bandobast deployment tracking, and AI-powered sexual offence investigation guides. These innovative solutions aim to modernize policing in Goa, demonstrating the power of technology and student ingenuity in shaping the future of public safety.

Human Interest

Goa Police Officers Honoured with ‘Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak’ for Exemplary Service

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Police has reason to celebrate as two of its distinguished officers — DySP Vishwesh Karpe and Police Inspector Laxi Amonkar — have been conferred with the ‘Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak’, a national award recognizing exceptional performance and professional excellence in policing.

DySP Vishwesh Karpe has been honoured in the field of Investigation for his outstanding leadership and meticulous supervision in solving a sensational murder case involving a minor boy under the jurisdiction of Calangute Police Station. The case, which had gripped public attention, demanded precise coordination, evidence handling, and strategic investigation. Under Karpe’s direction, the team ensured that justice was swiftly and decisively served. His approach to investigative work — marked by thoroughness, empathy, and commitment to truth — exemplifies the highest standards of policing.

Police Inspector Laxi Amonkar was recognised in the field of Intelligence for his significant role in one of Goa’s most impactful narcotics operations. His timely and actionable intelligence led to a successful NDPS raid, resulting in the seizure of narcotic substances valued at ₹43 crores. The operation not only disrupted a major drug network but also reinforced the Goa Police’s continued efforts to combat the drug menace with precision and resolve. PI Amonkar’s contribution reflects the vital importance of intelligence-led policing and inter-departmental coordination in addressing organised crime.

The Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak is one of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ distinguished recognitions for police personnel across India. It acknowledges officers who demonstrate exceptional efficiency, commitment, and professionalism in their respective fields — from investigation and intelligence to law and order, community service, and technological innovation.

For Goa Police, this recognition marks a proud moment of institutional excellence. Both officers embody the ethos of the force — integrity, diligence, and service before self. Their achievements highlight the tireless work that goes on behind the scenes in maintaining law and order, ensuring justice, and safeguarding the community.

The honour also serves as an inspiration to young officers across India, reaffirming that dedication and ethical conduct are the cornerstones of effective policing. Whether it’s cracking complex criminal cases or disrupting high-value narcotics operations, officers like DySP Vishwesh Karpe and PI Laxi Amonkar remind us that excellence in law enforcement begins with a deep sense of duty and purpose.

As Goa celebrates this national recognition, it stands as a testament to the professionalism and unwavering commitment of its police force — men and women who serve not just with authority, but with integrity and heart.

Social

Disability Rights Association of Goa Marks 22 Years with Cyber Crime Awareness Session

Tanisha Cardozo

The Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) recently marked its 22nd year of service to persons with disabilities in the state. The milestone was commemorated with a session focused on Cyber Crime Awareness, conducted by Cyber Yoddha Sahil Awasthi and PC Anmol from the Panaji Police Station. The session educated attendees about the various types of cyber frauds and urged vigilance before clicking on suspicious links.

DRAG President Avelino de Sa thanked the members for their steadfast support over the years and reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to integrating persons with disabilities into mainstream society. He encouraged members to follow the Cyber Dost 14C WhatsApp channel and the Goa Police Cyber Crime team’s social media handles to stay updated on cyber fraud prevention.

The event also featured the distribution of food grains to 90 families of persons with disabilities, highlighting the community spirit and support that DRAG has fostered over the past two decades.

The celebration reflected DRAG’s ongoing dedication to the empowerment, inclusion, and welfare of persons with disabilities in Goa, combining awareness, education, and tangible support for the community.

EduConnect

Cyber Security Awareness Drive Held at Shri Vasant Vidyalaya, Siolim Under Seva Pakhwada

Tanisha Cardozo

Siolim, Goa | 1st October 2025 — In a proactive step under the Seva Pakhwada initiative, Anjuna Police Station conducted a Cyber Security Awareness session today at Shri Vasant Vidyalaya, Siolim. The session aimed to equip students with essential knowledge to safely navigate the digital world.

With over 50 students participating, the interactive session focused on sensitizing young minds about the rising threats in cyberspace. From fake mobile applications and loan/job scams to parcel frauds and sextortion, the session highlighted real-world tactics used by cybercriminals and how to recognize and avoid them.

Officers emphasized three primary psychological levers that cybercriminals often exploit — negligence, greed, and fear. Through simple yet effective tips, students were encouraged to adopt safe online habits such as creating strong passwords, not clicking on suspicious links, and never sharing personal information with unknown sources.

Importantly, the session also stressed the need to report incidents immediately. Students were informed about the national Cyber Helpline – 1930 and the official cybercrime reporting portal, ensuring they know how and where to seek help.

This initiative is part of a larger mission to create cyber-aware citizens from a young age. With the increasing digital exposure of students, such awareness sessions are vital for building resilience against cyber threats and ensuring safer online behaviour across communities.

The effort by Anjuna Police underlines a growing recognition: Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue — it’s a community responsibility.