PANJIM, Sept. 6 -- Suspension of government servants and police personnel is often considered a strong disciplinary action but in several cases, the punishment appears to last only a few months before the suspended staff are brought back into service.

Just last week, five officers-including PSI Viraj Sawant-were suspended for extortion. Following an expose by MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira in the recently concluded Goa Legislative Assembly session exposing a "rot from within" the force, swift action followed an assurance by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in the House.

However, political observers and former high-ranking police officers point out a familiar pattern that follows allegations that make headlines.

Tainted officers are often quie...