Cops told to complete probe in two months
PANAJI
Panaji Chief Judicial Magistrate Pooja Kavlekar on Saturday directed Panaji police to register an FIR under Indian Penal Code for rash navigation of a vessel and for negligent conduct with respect to machinery in connection with the St Inez Creek mishap involving Panaji Mayor Surendra Furtado in June this year.
The Court also directed the police to conclude investigation into the matter within two months.
The Court issued the directions after considering the petition filed by Adv Aires Rodrigues seeking FIR against Panaji Mayor Surendra Furtado and others for reckless action leading to the mishap thereby endangering human lives and damaging public property.
Adv Rodrigues, in his petition, insisted that the incident happened when the de-weeding machine turned turtle on account of the weight imbalance which occurred due to Furtado and others boarding it despite being warned not to do so.
Adv Aires Rodrigues in his petition filed under Section 156 (3) of the Criminal Procedure Code sought Court directions to the police to register the FIR while also praying that the Court monitor the investigation claiming the accused Surendra Furtado was politically very influential.
The petition further stated that Furtado and six others boarded the de-weeding machine though they were specifically instructed not to do so by Taleigao MLA Jennifer Monserrate as well as the machine operator.
Adv Rodrigues further stated that the incident happened when the de-weeding machine turned turtle on account of the weight imbalance as it was not designed to carry the weight of as many people aboard it.
Meanwhile, Panaji police said they are yet to receive a copy of the order. "We will initiate the process for registration FIR after receiving the order," Inspector Siddhant Shirodkar stated hinting that the FIR is likely to be registered only next week.
