PANAJI
A Russian tourist, who was detained by the Pernem Police for creating a ruckus in the tourist village, died en route to a magistrate’s office in Porvorim on Friday.
The police team led by a sub-inspector was traveling in their official vehicle to produce the 33-year-old before the magistrate for obtaining permission to admit him to the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) when he suddenly collapsed.
While drug overdose cannot be ruled out, an autopsy is awaited to ascertain the exact cause of death.
Superintendent of Police (North Goa) Nidhin Valsan said the tourist had inflicted injuries on himself before the police took charge to ensure he was given immediate medical attention.
“Prime facie, it appears that he was mentally unstable. The locals had called the police for help when the foreigner had inflicted injuries on his hand and even cut his fingers wide open. We took him to the primary health centre where his behaviour turned aggressive,” Valsan said speaking to The Goan.
The PHC doctors, who were almost attacked by the foreigner, observed that “he cannot be controlled and needed psychiatric treatment”.
After completing the paperwork to produce him before the magistrate, the cops left for Porvorim in their official vehicle. The tourist “became non-responsive” after which the policemen switched their direction to the hospital. “He couldn’t be revived. Doctors declared him “brought dead”, another officer said.
Valsan maintained that the police officers were trying to protect him from his own violent behaviour and get him medical help.
“We have submitted a report to the Sub Divisional Magistrate and other authorities concerned. Action will be taken accordingly,” he added.
The Russian Embassy will be informed about the death.
The Goan contacted the legal counsel for the Russian Consulate in Goa, Vikram Varma who claimed they are yet to receive an official communique from the police.
“My office has not received formal information about the concerned Russian citizen. However in such cases, a comment can be made after the autopsy report,” he said.
The police have denied custodial death claiming he was not arrested or taken to the police station.
