Point of view

by B.V. SEETARAM

(1)

Gaonkar case: Acid test to home minister

• The Bunder poplice station inspector Vinay Gaonkar who is presently under suspension can very well be a good example to prove as to how a once honest and efficient police officer, can even turn into an arrogant and rude officer. Holding the post of an inspector in a police station in the heart of the city, he could have very well earned a good repute for himself in a short span if he so wished. But on the contrary, Gaonkar chose the path which led thim to being the number one corrupt and arrogant officer. The tragedy is that Gaonkar who had earned a good name for himself in the initial days of his becoming an SI and then an inspector, later changed ways much to the disappointment and dismay of many.
  At the same time one also feels pity for this officer who fell in the pit which he himself had dug. However, there is one basic difference between the suspension of Gaonkar after a departmental probe, and in case of suspension of other police officials when allegations are heard against them.
  In Gaonkar’s case, the Western Range DIG has shown him the doors as per the directive of the State IGP in the backdrop of a report following an investigation into the allegations against Gaonkar, by a DySP rank officer. Therefore, Gaonkar cannot even enjoy the benefit of doubt that he has fallen prey to some vested interests. In his case, the complaint filed to the home minister himself was referred to the department for a probe and the department too had no other go but to probe.Generally, in case any officer has to be suspended, then senior police officials use their discretionary powers. But, in case of Gaonkar suspension, the department has pursued the procedural route. As the probe proved Gaonkar guilty, he was suspended and any IGP had to do this.
  It may not be wrong to say that the suspension of Gaonkar is the minimum possible disciplinary action against him. What is needed for the police department is to file an FIR and chargesheet against Gaonkar for illegally detaining an innocent citizen for days together and then torturing him.Action should be initiated against Gaonkar on the lines of the action that would be taken against any ordinary citizen who commits an offence. It is only then that justice can be meted out in this case.
  Presently, it has been noticed that the district minister Nagaraj Shetty is leaving no stone unturned in shielding Gaonkar. Shetty by doing so has only exposed the values pursued by him.
  Moreover, reports even say that Gaonkar was trying to exert influence on a Moodbidri based JD leader to get his suspension order revoked. If that is true, then the allegations against Gaonkar would be weighing further more. What is now expected of the police department is an FIR against Gaonkar and suspension from departmental service.
  In toto it can be said tha the Gaonkar episode is an acid test to the home minister MP Prakash who does not mind giving non-stop speeches on commitment in social life, whenever he gets an opportunity.

(2)

City fast turning into concrete jungle

• The recent High Court directive to the state government against regularising illegal constructions, did not make much news. The reason being that this is the second interim order by the High Court in the past few months on the illegal multi-storied building issue.
  The High Court directive to the city corporation earlier stating "Don’t permit illegal multi-storied constructions" in itself included a clear-cut order as to what has to be done in case of the already constructed illegal buildings and those buildings which are in construction stages.
  The Mangalore cit corporation, by now ought to have razed to the ground the nearly two dozens of illegal constructions sans licence. But, due to its apathy, the corporation is only encouraging coming up of more unlicenced constructions.
  The citizens of Mangalore came to know the fact about the unlikely government and MCC action against illegal builders the very day on which the then MCC commissioner Chandrappa was shunted solely for the reason that his acts were not favourable to the builders. In the meantime, the demand to have Chandrappa reinstated in his original position in the MCC just turned out to be a cry in the wilderness.
  It may not be wrong to say that the policies pursued by the present BJP-JD(S) government in the state on clearing the hurdles put forth by the illegal constructions in the way of planned development, was no different form those pursued by the earlier Congress-JD(S) governments.
  In that case, the erstwhile CM Dharam Singh itself can be considered better. Today, rumour mills are spinning that the builders have pleased the chief minister and deputy chief minister in order to see that they did not poke their nose into this issue.
  The builders who are raising illegal constructions without waiting for any approval areonly making life hell for Mangaloreans. The Mangalore city corporation as well as the district administration, through their apathetic attitude are also involved in this serious crime. The Mangalore city corporation officials who ought to have initiated strict action against the illegal constructions by razing them to the ground during the initial stages of construction itself, by not doing so have only betrayed Mangaloreasns. The time is now opportune for the civic organisations to think as to what action is fit in this case of the fence itself grazing the crop and then act in a pro-active manner.
  If at all the builders who are now raising constructions even on narrow roads without leaving any setback space, are allowed to have their way, then we will have to see days when the city is full of buildings with not even an inch to spare.
  Presently in Mangalore, the term town planning has been restricted to mere academic circles with nothing much effort made to implement the same.
  Today, citrizens are forced to ask if the Mangalore Urban Development Authority is a mere namesake authority. After all, what is the role of the MUDA in the planned development of Mangalore ?.
  Already, citizens are beginning to feel the brunt of their city tunring out into a concrete jungele. Most of the commercial complexes that have come up in the city do not have ample parking or just no parking space. In case of any mishap like collapse of a portion of the building or fire mishap, there is no way the fire service vehicle could move nearby.
  Presently, Mangalore is next only to Bangarlore as a city which is attracting the highest investment. Considering the rising populatuion as well as the increasing density of vehicles on the roads here, if at all the building bye-laws are violated, then there may come a day, when let alone entry of new projects, even the existing industries might think of moving out.
  It is a tragedy that the future generation will have to pay the price for the gross neglect of ours. This is indeed a matter of great concern.