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Panaji, Nov 3 (IANS) Two Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) policemen have been suspended from service after their arrest in connection with a firing incident during illegal sand mining in North Goa last month.
Two out of seven IRB jawans have been arrested in the firing incident related to illegal sand mining.
After their involvement in the case came to light, Goa Director General of Police Alok Kumar on Monday ordered the immediate suspension of two IRB constables.
Confirming the action, DGP Kumar said that an internal police investigation has started against both the officers.
“Officials involved in criminal activities will face appropriate police action to prevent such incidents in the force,” the DGP told reporters.
The two suspended officers, identified as Hrishikesh Mahale and Gangaram Mahale, residents of Pernem, are among the seven accused arrested by the police in connection with the firing incident on the banks of Terekhol river last month in which two workers were injured.
The complainant, Ramrishi Paswan (54), said the firing took place around 2:30 am on October 28, 2025, when he and his associate, Lalbabu God (37), were extracting sand near Uguvem, Pernem.
According to the complaint, Paswan was injured in the neck and Bhagwan was injured in his right hand and stomach in the firing by an unidentified person with the intention of murder.
A team from Pernem police station under the supervision of Police Inspector Sachin Lokre used technical and scientific intelligence to trace and arrest seven suspects, including two IRB constables, who have reportedly confessed to the crime.
North Goa Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta had earlier on Sunday confirmed the involvement of two IRB policemen, the DGP revealed on Monday.
The DGP stressed that although the criminal behavior of some officers does not tarnish the entire state police department, legal action will be taken against them to ensure accountability.
Investigation into the case revealed that the firing incident allegedly stemmed from ongoing territorial disputes related to illegal sand excavation in the area.
Local villagers have vocally opposed illegal mining, alleging that the work has caused significant damage to their paddy fields and agricultural land.
–IANS
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