PANAJI
In a major setback to one of the controversial cops of Goa police, the North Goa Additional Sessions Court has framed charges of corruption against police sub-inspector Sunil Gudlar.
The PSI will face trial in connection with holding assets worth around Rs 11 lakh disproportionate to his known source of income.
His mother has also been made an accused in the case.
The disproportionate assets were collected within a span of 15 months from September 30, 2009, to December 31, 2010, when the PSI was posted in Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC).
The Anti-Corruption Branch of Goa Police, in its charge sheet, alleged that Gudlar secured assets in his name as well as in the name of his mother, who was working with Bal Bhavan, which were disproportionate to their known sources of income. The entire amount came to the tune of ₹10,88,280 which is 168 per cent of their income, the charge sheet stated, adding that the accused are booked under Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
During arguments on the framing of the charge, Gudlar's legal representative submitted that certain witnesses' statements were not recorded by the ACB and that Gudlar’s mother was not allowed to give her say.
However, the court presided over by Judge Edgar Fernandes noted that material on record produced by the prosecution revealed that the investigating officer had considered the assets of the accused and his family members held as on September 29, 2009, that is, before the check period. The records also showed that the IO had considered Gudlar’s brother’s salary.
“In my considered view, the material on record prima facie raises a strong suspicion that the accused have committed an offense punishable under Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Hence charges shall be framed against the accused under Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988,” reads the Court order dismissing submissions by the PSI, who earlier faced the ire of the department for official misconduct.
