PANAJI
Even after six-months, the Crime Branch is still to file a chargesheet against businessman Shripad Sinai Sawardekar alias Paresh in the horrific accident in Banastarim. The August 6, 2023 mishap claimed three lives and left three others critically injured, all of whom are yet to recover fully.
Sources said that while the investigation is complete, the chargesheet has been delayed owing to pending reports from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Pune and the State FSL at Verna.
“There is no urgency since the accused is already on bail and moreover, the forensic reports are pending. We will send these laboratories a reminder to expedite the process of examining the samples and submit us the report,” police sources said.
The CFSL Pune had already communicated to the Crime Branch that analysis of bloodstain and DNA samples, call details, and other evidence might take about three months.
“Once we get these reports, the chargesheet will be submitted to the prosecution for an opinion before filing it in the Court,” the source said.
It has so far been confirmed that Paresh was the one driving the ill-fated Mercedes Benz at the time of the accident and not his wife Meghana.
Despite some serious lapses in the initial probe by Mardol police, the CB had submitted both old and fresh evidence, including blood stains from the Mercedes airbags to compare with the DNA of Paresh and Meghana, and the call/ message/ WhatsApp details for forensic examination.
Paresh was arrested for driving recklessly under the influence of alcohol, nearly eight hours after the accident. The same Mardol police team faced allegations of a cover-up given that the couple belonged to influential families.
The case was transferred to the CB days later and a nine-member team was formed. This was followed by the arrest of noted lawyer and President of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Goa Amit Palekar on charges of allegedly attempting to mislead the police by planting a dummy car driver named Ganesh Lamani. The dummy driver was also arrested but both were bailed out on the same day.
