Locals uneasy over probe shift; police say decision is administrative
Youth questioning the Curchorem PI Melson Colaco over the sudden transfer of the sex scandal case to the Crime Branch.
SANGUEM
Barely two days after the arrest of accused Soham Naik, son of a councillor, in the Curchorem sex scandal case, the matter was handed over to the Crime Branch, sparking anger among youth in the town.
The development raised concerns among residents, particularly local youth, who were already apprehensive about the fairness of the probe following the initial delay in arresting the accused despite the availability of substantial information.
The sudden shift of the case from the Curchorem police station to the Crime Branch has further deepened suspicion and uncertainty over the direction of the investigation.
A large number of youth marched to the Curchorem Police Station on Tuesday evening and questioned Police Inspector Melson Colaco over the unexpected decision, adding that they had never demanded a transfer of the case from the Curchorem Police Station to the Crime Branch.
They sought clarity on whether the investigation would proceed in the right earnest and expressed disappointment over the lack of communication from authorities.
The agitated youth pointed out that they had placed their trust in the local police and had even persuaded families of victims to come forward and record their statements.
“We are now at crossroads, unsure of what exactly is happening,” said one of the youth, but added that they continue to repose faith in Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to ensure that the case is investigated from the proper angle.
Curchorem Police Inspector Melson Colaco informed the locals that he had no prior knowledge about the transfer of the case and was unaware of the reasons behind shifting the investigation to the Crime Branch.
He was, however, quick to add that the transfer of the case to the Crime Branch is an administrative matter for better investigation in the matter, as there could be instances linked to the matter which are outside the jurisdiction of the Curchorem police station.
Earlier in the day, Deputy Inspector General of Police Varsha Sharma (IPS) visited the Curchorem Police Station to review the progress of the investigation in the sensitive case.
According to sources, it was shortly after her visit that the case was transferred to the Crime Branch.
