PANAJI: The Goa Congress party has lashed out at the police investigation into the recent assault on a couple at Bastora junction, alleging that the probe is being deliberately derailed to protect key accused Tulshidas Shetye, a BJP worker affiliated with the Aldona BJP Mandal.
During press interaction today, Aldona MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira called the investigation “a farce” and accused the police of shielding the accused due to political pressure. “Law and order have collapsed. The investigation is being slowed from within. The investigating officer (IO) from Mapusa Police Station must be immediately replaced,” he said.
The MLA questioned how the main accused could flee unless tipped off, pointing to possible internal leaks. “My information is that names and even photographs of those involved were submitted. So, why this kind of investigation?” he asked.
Ferreira also alleged that the BJP is harbouring and protecting criminals, asking pointedly: “Is the BJP a den of criminals?” He further claimed that the main accused, Tulshidas Shetye, was seen recently at a BJP meeting, seated in the second row “like a VIP.”
He did not mince words while blaming the government for creating an environment where such attacks occur. “When youth are frustrated due to a lack of jobs, they turn to such violent activities. This is a government failure and a reflection of political interference in policing,” he said.
Ferreira also alleged that the PSI handling the case may be related by marriage to someone involved in the case. “We have every apprehension that this is slowing down the investigation. First, remove the IO. Then we will know if there’s any seriousness in the probe,” he demanded.
The MLA referred to past instances of “dadagiri and gundagiri” flourishing under political patronage and said that this case reflects a wider breakdown of law and governance. “You beat up women, including pregnant women, and then boast of protection from political godfathers. Is this the Goa we voted for?”
The Opposition has demanded swift arrests and an impartial investigation, starting with the removal of the current IO. “Only after the IO is removed will we believe there’s any real will to investigate this case,” Ferreira reiterated.
