PANAJI
While Goa Police suspended Margao Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Nilesh Shirvoikar following allegations of custodial assault on Edberg Pereira, South Goa Police maintained that Pereira sustained a head injury after losing balance and falling.
The incident occurred on October 22, when around 2 pm, Margao Town Police received a call reporting a person creating a nuisance at Rosary College, Navelim.
“A team comprising Head Constable Minguel Vaz and Police Constable Ajay Zangli proceeded to the spot and identified the person as Edberg Pereira, who runs a snack shop near the college. Pereira, who was accompanied by a woman, allegedly became violent and continued to behave in a disorderly manner despite repeated warnings by the police,” said Superintendent of Police (South) Tikam Singh Verma in a statement.
Verma said Pereira remained aggressive even after repeated warnings, forcing the police team to seek reinforcements from Margao Town Police Station. He was subsequently secured and brought to the station.
The officer further said that while inside the Station House Officer (SHO)/reporting room, Pereira allegedly began shouting and abusing. PSI Shirvoikar confronted the man and tried to calm him down. “In the process, Pereira lost his balance, fell on the floor skirting, and suffered a head injury,” he said.
Police said he was given immediate medical attention and later shifted to South Goa District Hospital.
Following an inspection of CCTV footage and a preliminary inquiry, PSI Shirvoikar has been placed under suspension. A case has been registered against him under Sections 115(2) and 198 of the BNS.
Police have, however, not clarified whether Pereira was assaulted while in custody.
