Panaji: Strong objections have been raised against the decision to award the Chief Minister’s Gold Medal to Deputy Superintendent of Police Sagar Ekoskar, with Pissurlem Farmers Association President and Shriram Cow Protection Committee President (Nanus) Hanumant Parab alleging a series of serious misconduct incidents involving the officer.
Addressing a press conference in Panaji, Hanumant Parab claimed that Ekoskar had assaulted him and several farmers at the Pissurlem Police Station during their March 11, 2022 protest against mining silt destroying agricultural fields. He said although complaints were filed with senior officials, no action followed, forcing him to approach the court. He added that CCTV footage sought under RTI has still not been provided.
Parab further alleged that during the anti-IIT agitation in Melauli, Ekoskar assaulted local women by stepping on their chests, drawing widespread criticism at the time. He claimed two similar cases in Margao and accused the officer of shielding illegal cattle slaughter activities in the Valpoi area.
He stated that Ekoskar had also assaulted a former sarpanch in Honda, for which he was later compelled to apologise. According to Parab, after he pursued complaints and legal action, Ekoskar included him in a ‘history-sheeter’ list and allegedly sent women police officers to his home repeatedly to harass his family.
Terming Ekoskar a “highly controversial officer”, Parab questioned the government’s decision to honour him with the Chief Minister’s Medal, arguing that such recognition undermines the morale of honest officers. He said he will formally write to Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant demanding that the medal be withdrawn.
