PANAJI: Amid allegations of police connivance into the escape of Suleman Siddique Khan, Director General of Police Alok Kumar assured that action will be taken against those responsible while questioning the credibility of the fugitive involved in multiple offences.
As he reacted to the viral video, Kumar stated their main focus at present is to re-arrest the accused.
"Investigation is ongoing and multiple teams are actively working under the supervision of the DIG to re-arrest Khan. We have definite clues and leads, and we are hopeful to arrest him soon," he stated.
Regarding the viral video in which Khan directly accuses the police of helping him escape, the DGP stated, "It is a video from a criminal. He has run away. If he wants to make a statement, he can do so in custody. His claims are questionable, and just because he is releasing a video, it doesn’t mean everything he says is true. The investigation is ongoing, and we are acting based on the facts that emerge."
The department has dismissed the IRB constable Amit Naik, who allegedly aided Khan's escape. "If anyone else is involved, we will take appropriate action," said the DGP. He further noted that Suleman Khan has a long criminal history and had been on the run for four years, only to be arrested by the Crime Branch after three months of hard work.
Regarding allegations of involvement by any political figures, the DGP declined to comment, stating, "We will focus on the case." He also refused to comment on allegations of MLA Joshua D'Souza reportedly meeting SP Rahul Gupta in the office of the Crime Branch when Khan was also there.
Meanwhile, AAP and Congress leaders met DGP and demanded CM Pramod Sawant’s resignation. They also demanded replacing police officials over the fugitive Suleman's escape while accusing government-police connivance.
