PANAJI: The Crime Branch team, which seized 9,600 matka slips along with diaries and ledgers during the raid at Chandrakant "Babu" Kavlekar's residential property, has disclosed that there is enough prima facie evidence to prove that the premises were being used to operate illegitimate matka gambling business.
Leader of Opposition Kavlekar was questioned by the Crime Branch officers for a little over two hours at Ribandar on Friday. Upon his arrival, Kavlekar told the media, "I have full faith in judiciary. I have done nothing wrong."
He was later granted interim anticipatory relief by the Margao Sessions Court, though the police have yet to book the Congress leader and Quepem MLA for the offence.
Sources have disclosed that Kavlekar's brother, Babal, has now been issued a notice by the Crime Branch asking him to remain present for questioning at Ribandar on Monday in connection with this case.
Speaking at the Police Headquarters, Superintendent of Police (Crime) Kathik Kashyap stated, "Prima facie it is very clear that the premises belonging to Kavlekar were being used as the office to operate this illegitimate business. We questioned Kavalekar and now, other people related to this particular matter have been called in for questioning."
Sources, however, have disclosed that on being questioned about the matka slips and other paperwork related to the illegal gambling activity found at his residential property, Kavalekar told the police that he does not operate the outhouse office space, where these incriminating materials were found.
Responding to a query about the direct involvement of Kavlekar's brother, Babal, in the illegal matka business uncovered at the property, SP Kashyap said, "We will have to examine that, the documents and everything. The matter is under investigation and we can come to conclusion only after all evidence has been tallied."
Crime Branch had on Wednesday raided the outhouse office room at Betul, which had been sealed previously during the raid conducted by Anti-corruption Branch (ACB) on Kavlekar's properties in the last week.
The case is being probed under the main FIR in the matka case registered by the order of High Court in response to a petition by activist Kashinath Shetye alleging a nexus between politicians and police.
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Prima facie it is very clear that the premises belonging to Kavlekar were being used as the office to operate this illegitimate business
- Kathik Kashyap, SP (Crime)
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I have full faith in judiciary. I have done nothing wrong
- 'Babu' Kavlekar, Quepem MLA
