Panaji: In an embarrassment for the Goa police, the state government on Tuesday suspended Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Superintendent of Police Edwin Colaco over allegations that he registered his birth and marriage in Portugal. This registration is considered the first step toward obtaining a Portuguese passport. Colaco was likely to be promoted to the Indian Police Service (IPS) cadre.
Background of the Allegations
The state government received a complaint from an anonymous individual stating that between 2008 and 2010, Colaco traveled to Portugal to register his birth and marriage. It was revealed that Colaco obtained permission from the state government to travel abroad but did not disclose the purpose of his visit or the destination country.
Immediate Suspension
A senior government official confirmed that Colaco has been placed under suspension with immediate effect. Until the suspension is revoked, Colaco will be stationed at the Home Department Secretariat in Porvorim. The government has directed Colaco not to leave the headquarters without obtaining prior permission from the competent authority.
Previous Cases of Dual Citizenship
In October 2014, the Goa police registered First Information Reports (FIRs) against Colaco, six unknown individuals working at the Bombay High Court in Goa, 43 unidentified advocates, 500 unknown persons working or retired in government departments in Goa, and other individuals for allegedly acquiring dual citizenship. Police alleged that the accused acquired Portuguese citizenship by obtaining the bilhete de identidade without surrendering their Indian citizenship. The case was registered under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, Sections 4 and 5 of the Registration of Foreigners Act, and Section 12 of the Passport Act. Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Panaji, Bosco G F Roberts, directed the crime branch to register an FIR.
Motivations for Portuguese Citizenship
Most people who obtain Portuguese nationality do so to migrate to Europe in search of better life and job opportunities. Others obtain a Portuguese identity card after registering themselves there, allowing them to travel abroad without a visa.
Government Statistics and Debate
Government statistics indicate that thousands of Goans have registered their births in Portugal, a provision offered by the former colonial rulers to those born before Goa's liberation in 1961 and to their children. Goa has debated the dual citizenship issue extensively, as several individuals, including politicians, police personnel, and bureaucrats, have obtained Portuguese passports or ID cards.
Chief Minister's Appeal
Last year, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant urged the Union government to grant amnesty to Goans to cancel their Portuguese identity cards so they can retain their Indian citizenship. Sawant told the Union Ministry of Home Affairs that the revocation of passports “has been taken in very bad taste by the affected population,” as it may adversely affect their livelihood. In his letter to the MHA, Sawant said, “Grant an amnesty to Goans for cancellation of assento de nascimento, cartao de cidadao (the Portuguese identity card), to thereby retain their Indian citizenship.”
