Released after six days for lack of evidence; seeks compensation
The damaged municipal vehicle at South Goa collectorate.
MARGAO
Margao police have come under scrutiny after releasing a businessman who had been arrested in a counterfeit currency case, prompting his lawyer to seek compensation for what he alleges was six days of illegal detention.
City-based advocate Showmik Angle has warned that he will approach the High Court if justice is not served, claiming the businessman and his family suffered significant trauma due to the arrest.
The case originated from a complaint filed by a bank manager, who reported that counterfeit currency notes amounting to Rs 49,000 in Rs 500 denominations had been deposited into an ATM. Acting on the complaint, Margao police registered an FIR against unknown persons for allegedly depositing fake notes on the evening of February 18.
The businessman, who has been residing in Goa for the past 15 years, was subsequently arrested. He later moved for bail, arguing that he had been detained without proper inquiry. In his submission before the court, he stated that he was an account holder at the bank and had deposited only Rs 4,500 into the ATM.
Adv. Angle said that, given the seriousness of counterfeit currency offences—which can attract up to 10 years’ imprisonment—the court had initially asked him to move for bail at a later stage, since the investigation was still underway.
However, the case took a turn on April 20 when the businessman was released from custody under Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), with police citing a lack of evidence to proceed further.
Questioning the police action, Angle said authorities failed to verify basic details before making the arrest. “Was it not the duty of the Margao police to verify and cross-check before arresting my client? The police should have confirmed the timing of his visit to the ATM before taking such action,” he said.
He further alleged that no proper investigation was conducted prior to the arrest, leaving the businessman’s family in distress. “His wife, who is seven months pregnant, went through immense emotional trauma when her husband was taken into custody,” he added.
Calling the incident a case of illegal detention, Angle said his client was incarcerated for six days due to what he described as police negligence. He added that steps would be taken to seek compensation.
“My client is still recovering from the shock and trauma of the arrest. The police must compensate him for the illegal detention and the suffering caused. Failing that, we will pursue appropriate legal remedies, including approaching the High Court,” he said.
