Patiala, February 20
There’s something uncanny about this “junket” the Punjab Armed Police personnel are so crazy about. Loath to outstation duty, especially if it is election-related, the PAP has this buzz doing the rounds: Let’s go Goa, where polls are due next month.

So much so that right from cobblers, drivers to the officers, there seems to be a race to kiss the balmy beaches. “As many as five former SSP-level officers, including two serving commandants, are using their clout for the election duty in Goa,” said a senior officer. This has left the seniors astonished. Their experience says police officers short-listed for poll-related duties usually go for sifarish, seeking exemption.

Punjab is expected to dispatch 18 companies (1,800 men) to poll-bound Goa. Many police officers see it as an all-expenses paid holiday stint. “I have never been to Goa. It’s a unique opportunity where duty and holiday gel pretty well. I’m planning to overstay there for a few days if I get my leave sanctioned after March 6,” said an officer.

Additional Director General (PAP) GS Sahota told The Tribune that of the total 18 companies, eight are from the State Armed Battalion. “We have finalized the name of the Commandant of the 7th Battalion, Sawinder Singh,” he said.

Reports said the Election Commission preferred deputing an all-woman officers team to Goa following complaints of “misconduct” against male officers. While finalising poll schedules for five states, the EC posted 20 election observers in Goa, all are women. DGP (PAP) Rajan Gupta admitted there were a few officers eagerly awaiting the Goa trip. “We’ll try to send our best men,” he said.