the goan I network
PANAJI
Of these eight offences, four qualified for registration of a FIR at Panaji, Porvorim, Agacaim and Old Goa police stations while other four were recorded as non-cognizable offences (NCs) at the Old Goa police station between February 2015 and August 2016.
Dias is accused of raping a British national in 2009 and the case was registered on February 17, 2009 at the Panaji police station under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code.
The other sections of IPC slapped on Dias include Section 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 333 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 379 (theft), 352 (assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation), 427(causing mischief) and 506 (criminal intimidation).
These facts have come to light through a letter written by a 69-year-old resident of Merces which was addressed to all top law enforcement officers seeking concrete action against Dias and others.
She has sought to draw the attention of the authorities that this is not Dias’ first brush with the law. She recalled an incident which occurred on the night of August 14, 2016 wherein Dias and his companions came armed with koitas, swords and knives to assault one Kalpesh Volvoikar. The incident, which was witnessed by several villagers and recorded on the 69 year-old woman’s CCTV, resulted in registration of an NC offence at the Old Goa police station.
“All villagers of Merces are scared of this person and are not registering any complaint against him. He always abuses the neighbours and local residents in filthy language and tells the people that all the police personnel are in his pocket and that he can do anything, even murder. Nobody will arrest him and even no case will be registered against him,” the letter reads.
The senior citizen has further expressed anguish as none of her previous communications to the deputy Inspector General of Police, collector, chief secretary, local sarpanch, the local MLA and even the Chief Minister were acted upon. She has voiced fear for the safety of the women, children and the elderly with the authorities concerned failing to act.
Strongly worded, the letter hints at collusion between the police and the troublemaker, who allegedly enjoyed political patronage. It states, “After so many cases, he has been released freely by the police. It seems that law and order people are protecting such criminals and also politicians, who can use these people for their benefits.”
