PANAJI
What began as a wedding celebration near Mapusa temple on Thursday turned into a full-blown manhunt after a repeat offender allegedly used guests as a human shield and gave the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) the slip in a narcotics case.
Ravi Naik, who faces at least seven criminal cases, including non-bailable offences, allegedly mobilised wedding guests and fled just as ANC officers moved in to arrest him at the venue. Police have also accused his brother, Gopi Naik, personnel of the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), of facilitating the escape.
Police sources told The Goan that Ravi had been absconding in a narcotics case registered earlier this year. His name surfaced during the interrogation of one Akash Chauhan, who was arrested in connection with a drug offence.
“Chauhan was arrested in a drugs case and during interrogation, disclosed that Ravi Naik supplied the contraband. Subsequent investigation revealed that he is a major supplier and accordingly made a co-accused in the case,” an ANC officer said.
However, Ravi had absconded by then, with the ANC official admitting that several efforts had been made to trace him.
“A team visited his residence, but his family claimed they were unaware of his whereabouts. His mobile phone was switched off, apparently to avoid location tracking... We are certain Ravi deliberately attempted to evade arrest,” the source said.
On Thursday, acting on specific inputs, the ANC learnt that Ravi would attend a wedding ceremony. Officers reached the venue discreetly and identified him among the guests.
But the script flipped when the Police Inspector and the Sub Inspector introduced themselves and informed him of the grounds for arrest.
“Ravi raised an alarm and began mobilising people at the venue,” the source said, adding that in the confusion, he managed to slip through the cracks and flee.
Police have alleged that his brother, Gopi, who also faces a criminal case, played a key role in the escape. “Gopi facilitated Ravi’s escape by mobilising additional persons at the venue,” the source added.
A case is already registered at Mapusa police station against the brothers and 15-20 unknown persons, with a counter-complaint also filed against the ANC.
Following the dramatic episode, senior officers convened a high-level meeting to tighten the noose. Continuous surveillance has been mounted at Naik’s residence in Moira, and PCR units have been alerted to maintain a strict vigil.
“Mapusa police are instructed to maintain a continuous picket near his residence in Moira. PCR units have been alerted to keep a strict vigil, too. We are intensifying efforts,” the source said. The ANC is also preparing to write to the IRB Commandant seeking action against Gopi.
