Panaji: Goa Police have initiated departmental action and attached a sub‑inspector to the Government Railway Police (GRP), Altinho, after a complaint that he abused and threatened a restaurant employee in Porvorim over the price of a cheese garlic naan costing ₹170.
Incident, viral footage and initial response
The episode came to light after a purported CCTV clip circulated on social media showing a uniformed police official and another man confronting a restaurant staffer. According to a restaurant owner who complained to authorities, the confrontation followed an argument about what he described as an “excessive” price for a cheese garlic naan.
A police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the sub‑inspector and his friend had visited the eatery for a meal and later clashed with staff over the bill. "The sub‑inspector argued with a staffer over the food bill, specifically questioning why the cheese garlic naan was priced at ₹170. When the staff tried to reason with him, he and his friend hurled abuses and threatened the owner," the officer said.
"The sub‑inspector argued with a staffer over the food bill, specifically questioning why the cheese garlic naan was priced at ₹170," a police officer said.
Assembly debate and political reaction
The episode was raised in the legislative Assembly by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, who described the incident as "shocking" and demanded the suspension of the police official. Mr Alemao linked the episode to broader concerns about law and order, saying it came at a time when the House had been discussing deteriorating policing standards.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said an inquiry had been ordered. The Goa Police issued a statement confirming that PSI Viraj Sawant, posted at Porvorim police station, had been attached to GRP, Altinho for alleged misbehaviour with hotel staff and that further departmental action had been initiated.
Official position and next steps
The Goa Police statement reiterated that misconduct, corruption and violation of service discipline would not be tolerated and said appropriate action would follow against personnel found to have breached service rules. The department has not yet disclosed the timeframe for the internal probe or whether criminal charges will be considered alongside departmental proceedings.
| Action | Responsible body | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Attachment of officer | Goa Police | PSI Viraj Sawant attached to GRP, Altinho |
| Departmental inquiry | Internal police disciplinary unit | Initiated |
| Assembly notice | Opposition leader | Raised in House |
Legal and public implications
Under police service rules, attachment pending inquiry is a common administrative step while claims of misconduct are examined. If the internal probe finds that service discipline was contravened, penalties can range from reprimand to suspension or dismissal. The available reporting does not indicate whether the restaurant staff have filed a formal police complaint or legal case against the sub‑inspector.
Community reaction and context
The clip's circulation on social media prompted public attention and debate on behaviour by law enforcement officials in civilian settings. Opposition calls for the officer's suspension reflect political scrutiny of police actions after the footage drew legislative notice.
- Officer attached: PSI Viraj Sawant posted at Porvorim police station.
- Allegation: Abusing and threatening restaurant staff over billing dispute.
- Price in dispute: Cheese garlic naan billed at ₹170.
The Goa Police statement insisted that any personnel found violating discipline will face appropriate action. The departmental inquiry will determine whether the conduct found in the clip amounts to a breach of service rules and if further punitive or criminal proceedings are warranted.
No further comment was available from the accused officer at the time of reporting. The restaurant owner and the staff involved have not publicly issued a detailed statement beyond the initial allegation that prompted the probe.
As the inquiry proceeds, the Assembly debate is likely to keep political pressure on the police administration to conclude the investigation transparently and with due process.
