Protesters demand suspension of SI Gawas
Protesters surrounding Deputy Superintendent of Police Vishwesh Karpe and questioning him during the agitation at Valpoi Police Station.
VALPOI
Tensions continue to escalate at the Valpoi Police Station following the death of Moin Shaikh, with protests entering their second day. Demonstrators allege that Shaikh died by suicide after being subjected to custodial assault by police personnel, and have demanded the immediate suspension of Sub-Inspector Prathamesh Gawas.
Reports on Saturday suggested that Gawas had been transferred to the reserve force, but in the absence of an official written order, protesters have expressed skepticism. Agitations intensified as demonstrators gathered again at the police station, insisting on concrete action rather than verbal assurances.
The situation grew tense in the evening when Deputy Superintendent of Police Vishwesh Karpe visited the station. Protesters surrounded him, raising questions and voicing dissatisfaction with the response from authorities.
According to those protesting, CCTV footage from inside the police station allegedly shows Sub-Inspector Gawas, along with an Assistant Sub-Inspector and two constables, assaulting Shaikh while he was in custody. The footage has fuelled public anger, with demands for strict action against the officers involved. Some protesters also called for Gawas to be brought before them.
Meanwhile, local MLA and Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has taken note of the incident and written to the Director General of Police, urging a reinvestigation and strict action against those found guilty.
Demonstrations continued late into Friday night and resumed early Saturday morning, with protesters staging a sit-in outside the police station. They have made it clear that the agitation will not be called off until Sub-Inspector Gawas is suspended.
Although reports of his transfer circulated, the lack of official confirmation has further fueled dissatisfaction among protesters.
It is alleged that the incident began on Sunday night, when Moin Shaikh visited the police station to file a complaint. Instead, he was reportedly detained for questioning by Sub-Inspector Gawas and later placed in the lock-up.
Protesters claim that CCTV footage clearly depicts Shaikh being assaulted by police personnel, intensifying calls for accountability.
“This is a grave injustice. How can a young man be treated in such a manner in police custody?” protesters said, warning of stronger action if their demands are not met.
During his visit, DySP Vishwesh Karpe faced sharp questioning from demonstrators. His responses reportedly failed to satisfy the crowd, leading to heated exchanges and a tense atmosphere at the station.
Protesters reiterated their demand that Gawas be held accountable and accused him of inhuman treatment.
Authorities have reportedly moved Gawas to the reserve force, but protesters remain unconvinced due to the absence of a formal order.
They questioned whether the move was intended to deflect public anger and pointed out that previous transfer orders against the officer had allegedly not been implemented. Protesters also called on Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to ensure justice, warning of a larger agitation if action is delayed.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has formally requested a reinvestigation into the case. Emphasizing the importance of public trust in law enforcement, he stated that any wrongdoing must be dealt with strictly.
“This is an unfortunate incident. People must have confidence in the police. If injustice has occurred, it is a serious matter and must be thoroughly investigated,” he said.
