PANAJI
Goa Police are facing fresh allegations of misleading and misusing their machinery on instructions of ‘some politicians’ against Pooja Sharma, the main accused in the Assagao house demolition case.
These accusations emerged during Sharma’s anticipatory bail hearing on Friday wherein her lawyer, Advocate Surendra Desai, argued that investigation lacked independence. He further submitted to the Principal Sessions Judge Irshad Agha that political interference was skewing the investigation against Sharma.
“Because some politicians are involved, police are misleading and misusing the machinery against her (Sharma). The Crime Branch (CB) is creating imaginary grounds to seek her custody. Your (Goa Police) political boss says and you do it? How can she be the mastermind? What evidence do you have,” Desai questioned.
The CB, on Wednesday, identified Sharma as the kingpin and the mastermind behind the entire saga, contending it was a well-planned strategy.
Meanwhile, Desai also brought to the notice of the Court the CB’s sudden move to record conspirator Arshad Khawaja’s statement by a magistrate under section 164 CrPC. The counsel alleged that Khawaja was being overlooked despite being the alleged mastermind.
“This investigation has no independence. Some politicians want him (Khawaja) protected, even though he is the mastermind and main accused in the case,” Desai argued.
He further questioned the police’s handling of Sharma’s trespass complaint against Pradeep Agarwadekar filed in March 2024, alleging the police “are sleeping over it.”
“Sharma has the title documents. She paid to buy the property from the original owner…. Agarwadekar family was not residing at the property when the sale deed was executed. Let them (CB) produce on record the owners of this property. If they are protecting them (Agarwadekar), then they (police) are committing mischief,” Desai stated.
He also revealed that the Agarwadekar family, with only selective receipts in their name, were authorized to purchase the property on behalf of two Holland nationals and were permitted to stay in the house.
Desai denied receiving the third summons issued by Goa Police on July 4, arguing it is being purposely done despite his request for more time to join the probe.
On the other hand, the public prosecutor argued that the accused Sharma was not cooperating with the investigation as she failed to respond to any summons. The Court will hear further arguments on Saturday.
