Misconduct allegations against former Osoyoos Mountie dropped

Five misconduct allegations against former Osoyoos Const. Amit Goyal, who spent nearly four years suspended with pay, have been dropped.

Goyal left Osoyoos under unexplained circumstances after he reported two vehicles stolen from his home in the fall of 2012 that were later found abandoned and burned in the countryside.

OnTuesday, Craig Callens withdrew the allegations against Goyal during a hearing, explaining in a written statement he received new information this fall that meant there was no chance of substantiating the claims against the officer.

"The materials contained information that provided alternate theories that could not be disputed due to contradictory expert information," he wrote.

"Once reviewed, I was able to reach the decision that it was not in the public interest to proceed."

Suspended with pay

RCMP in Trail did an internal investigation of Goyal and the two vehicles at the time of the incident.

Police would not comment on that investigation or whether criminal charges were ever recommended against Goyal.

In 2013, the RCMP suspended Goyal with pay.

He was then ordered to attend a disciplinary hearing to face three allegations of "disgraceful or disorderly conduct that could bring discredit to the RCMP" and two counts of "making false, misleading or inaccurate statements to a superior during an investigation."

That disciplinary hearing had been postponed six times over three years.

Spokeswoman Sgt. Annie Linteau said the RCMP hoped Goyal's case "would be resolved in a timely manner. However, there were a series of processes, logistical requirements and four requests for adjournment by Const. Goyal and/or his counsel that contributed to significant delays in having this matter resolved in a timely fashion."​

A kangaroo court

Mounted Police Professional Association of Canada spokesman Rob Creasser said the length of time it took to resolve Goyal's case is inexcusable.

"There is no external review of the RCMP discipline system," he said.

"The term I've heard used, and I think it is accurate, is a kangaroo court." 

Despite the allegations being dropped, Goyal's career in law enforcement is likely over, Creasser said.

"The RCMP senior executive will look at him as being a pariah. I really don't think his career advancement will take place at all."

Return to duty

The RCMP said it will retrain Goyal and return him to the police force.

"Once the member completes the mandatory requirements necessary to return to full duty, this matter will be assessed by the Career Development and Resourcing Officer, in consultation with Const. Goyal, to determine a staffing location," said Sgt. Linteau.