THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
A delegation of citizens from Nuvem constituency, led by Alexio Costa, met the Superintendent of Police's office in Margao on Thursday to seek an update on a complaint alleging intimidation by a minister, which was lodged with Verna police.
The group was initially stopped at the entrance of the South Goa district police headquarters before a 10-member delegation was allowed inside for discussions.
As South Goa SP Tikam Singh was unavailable, the delegation met SDPO Margao Sidhant Shirodkar.
During the meeting, Shirodkar contacted Verna Police Inspector Anand Shirodkar to ascertain the status of Costa's complaint. The PI reportedly informed him that the complaint did not disclose a case warranting investigation.
Based on this response, SDPO Shirodkar advised Costa to pursue other legal remedies available under the law.
Speaking to the media later, Costa alleged that Verna police failed to investigate his complaint. Instead of examining the minister's mobile phone, police sought to inspect his own phone.
"I stated in my complaint that I received the intimidating WhatsApp message. The police should have examined the minister's phone as part of the inquiry, but they did not," Costa said.
Costa has now threatened to approach the State Police Complaints Authority, alleging the police failed to conduct a proper investigation.
