In an extraordinary achievement, Goa Police officer Amardeep Popkar has carved his name into the history books by becoming the first Goan to complete the grueling 161 km Bamboo Ultra Marathon in Bengaluru.
Held on rugged terrain and testing every ounce of stamina, the Bamboo Ultra is considered one of India’s toughest endurance challenges. Popkar not only completed the marathon but did so in an impressive 30 hours and 32 minutes, securing the 2nd runner-up position in the Men’s 161KM category.
His feat is a remarkable demonstration of discipline, mental toughness, and resilience. Ultra marathons go far beyond ordinary running events, pushing athletes to their physical and psychological limits. For Popkar, this achievement is not only personal but also a source of pride for the entire state of Goa.
The accomplishment has been widely celebrated by fellow officers, the sports community, and Goans at large, marking a milestone moment in the state’s sporting history.
With this historic run, Amardeep Popkar has set a powerful example of endurance and determination, proving that with grit and dedication, no challenge is too great.
Goa Police will officially launch the third edition of its Hackathon on 1st September 2025, inviting students from across the state to craft innovative tech solutions to real-world policing challenges. The event is expected to witness the enthusiastic participation of 36 teams, each taking on one of 9 carefully crafted problem statements related to law enforcement, crime detection, and civic safety.
As the role of technology in policing continues to expand—from data analytics to surveillance and cybercrime response—Goa Police aims to forge meaningful collaborations between young innovators and the law enforcement ecosystem. This Hackathon will not just target students from IT backgrounds; it will remain open to all disciplines, encouraging cross-functional approaches to problem-solving in public safety.
The process will begin with online registration and abstract submission, with a deadline set for 8th September 2025 at 11:59 PM. Each team, consisting of 2 to 4 members, will be required to submit a two-page abstract outlining their selected problem statement, proposed tech solution, core features, rationale for selection, and any relevant experience. Teams shortlisted based on this abstract will be announced by 14th September 2025.
These finalists will then participate in an intense, round-the-clock Hackathon session scheduled from 7:00 PM on 19th September to 7:00 PM on 21st September 2025. Over the 48-hour sprint, teams will develop working prototypes and present their solutions to a jury comprising police officials, tech experts, and civic leaders.
Each of the 9 problem statements will carry a cash prize of ₹50,000. More importantly, winning ideas may stand a chance to be developed further and implemented in real policing workflows, making this not just a competition but a potential gateway to real-world impact.
Through this initiative, Goa Police reaffirms its commitment to building smarter, tech-enabled law enforcement practices. From tackling cybercrime and digital forensics to enabling predictive policing and intelligent surveillance, the Hackathon will serve as a testing ground for tomorrow’s policing solutions.
By engaging students directly, Goa Police hopes to inspire a culture of civic-tech collaboration, where the next generation of coders, analysts, and innovators take part in shaping safer communities.
Final presentation and award ceremony details will be announced soon. Goa Police invites all eligible students to participate in this mission-driven opportunity to use their skills for public good and contribute to the future of law enforcement in India.
Panjim, Goa | August 21, 2025: In a landmark step toward inclusive governance and accessible law enforcement, the Goa Police, in partnership with the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) and the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, successfully concluded its first-ever four-day sensitisation and awareness training on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
Organised from August 18 to 21 in Panjim, under the theme “Inclusive Policing for a Barrier-Free Goa,” the initiative was a collaborative effort that included iProbono India as knowledge partners. The program aimed to equip police officers with the necessary legal and interpersonal tools to support persons with disabilities in a dignified, lawful, and empathetic manner.
The program trained over 650 police personnel from the State Police Control Room, Traffic Police, and Pink Force. The sessions were interactive and practical, covering areas such as:
Legal rights under the RPwD Act
Communication strategies with persons with disabilities
Real-life disability narratives
Accessibility challenges and systemic solutions
Speaking at the valedictory session, Smt. Varsha Sharma, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police, expressed heartfelt admiration:
“This training touched me deeply. We are all equal—we live in the same society. It is our duty to support persons with disabilities, even in our busiest schedules.”
DySP Roy Pereira extended gratitude on behalf of the Police Control Room and awarded mementos to trainers and partner departments.
Senior officers including SP Pramod Shirvoikar and Dr. Mriselda Montero, Deputy Director, DEPwD, added powerful personal insights and institutional perspectives. Shirvoikar emotionally shared the journey of a visually impaired relative, emphasizing that persons with disabilities often achieve more when given the right support and dignity.
Mr. Taha Haaziq, Secretary to the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, highlighted that Goa is the first state in India to publish a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for police engagement with persons with disabilities—marking it as a national leader in inclusive policing.
Key Resource Persons Included:
Adv. Kaurvaki Mohanty, iProbono India
Mr. Vishant Nagvekar and Mr. Mahadev D. Sawant, Advisory Members
Adv. Amla Shejwadkar, Legal expert
Mr. Prasad Joshi, Deaf Association of Goa
Ms. Zehra Naqvi and Ms. Jamila Haaziq, Office of the State Commissioner
Ms. Josephine Fernandes, Sign Language Interpreter
The success of this initiative has set the stage for further expansion, with calls to replicate the training at taluka-level police stations across Goa. As expressed by multiple officials, this training isn’t just timely—it’s necessary. With over 5% of Goa’s population living with disabilities, this training supports a more inclusive, just, and empathetic Goa.
Goa has positioned itself not only as a tourism leader but also as a pioneer in inclusive governance and law enforcement.
Panaji, August 18, 2025: In a pioneering step towards enhancing the health and wellness of the police force, the Swasth Police, Sasakhth Police Report 2025 was officially submitted by Dr. Shekhar Salkar, President of IMA Bicholim, to DGP Alok Kumar in the presence of senior officials.
The comprehensive report, prepared after months of research and on-ground efforts, highlights key initiatives implemented across Goa Police stations:
14 Police Stations Equipped with Health Kiosks These kiosks provide regular health check-ups and wellness tracking for police personnel.
Over 1200 Police Personnel Screened Extensive health screenings were conducted to detect early health risks and ensure timely interventions.
Lifestyle & Nutrition Program Introduced A holistic program focused on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being aims to strengthen the force from within.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shekhar Salkar emphasized, “A healthy police force is the backbone of public safety. This initiative ensures that our protectors remain strong, fit, and motivated.”
DGP Alok Kumar appreciated the initiative and assured continued support from Goa Police in promoting wellness programs that directly benefit police personnel and their families.
The Swasth Police, Sasakhth Police initiative stands as a model for community-oriented police wellness, underlining the importance of preventive healthcare in law enforcement.
Panjim, August 12, 2025 — In a tangible demonstration of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, 700 recruits of the India Reserve Battalion, Goa Police, have successfully completed their intense training at the prestigious Lasipara Battalion (LBPA) in Assam.
Goa Police commend the dedication and resilience of the IRB recruits who underwent a demanding training regimen at LBPA Assam—a facility renowned for its advanced methodologies and infrastructure. The training focused on upgrading combat readiness, tactical operations, and internal security preparedness.
Assam’s Generous Support
A heartfelt thank you to Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, whose support in granting access to such high-quality training facilities has been a cornerstone of this successful initiative. His leadership enabled meaningful inter-state cooperation, setting a new benchmark for training standards.
Embodying National Unity
This collaboration resonates with the vision of a united and empowered India. By pooling resources and expertise, the two states reaffirm a spirit of national solidarity and mutual respect that elevates internal security readiness and governance.
