VASCO
Stating that the police were investigating the motive behind the murder of Amar Naik (30) of New Vaddem-Vasco in Bogmalo, South Goa SP Pankaj Singh on Friday said more arrests were likely to take place, indicating the possibility of a well-hatched plan to kill Naik.
SP Singh visited the Vasco police station in the morning and met all police inspectors involved in the investigation.
He also questioned the owner of the rent-a-car used in the crime, the prime accused, the persons running the hotel in Anjuna who had booked the rent-a-car and the friend of the deceased who was present in the car during the murder.
Singh later returned to the Vasco police station in the evening to supervise further investigations in the case.
Later speaking to reporters in Vasco, he said the police were investigating from all angles to ascertain the motive of the murder.
“With efforts of various police teams in South Goa, we have been able to arrest both assailants involved in the murder. Both are being interrogated to ascertain their motive, preparation and conduct,” said SP Singh.
Stating that both accused have confessed to the crime, SP Singh said the accused, Shailesh Gupta and Shivam Singh, are natives of UP and live in Mumbai.
“While one works as a crane operator, the other is a driver and they came to Goa on the invitation of one of their friends and we are further investigating this link.”
“They had earlier visited the place twice on July 7 and 8. On Thursday, they visited Bogmalo on the pretext of purchasing a property from the deceased and had called the deceased and his friend to the site.”
“The post mortem of the deceased has been conducted and we have also subjected the vehicle to an FSL examination. We have recovered a few articles from the vehicle, including empty cartridges and the fired lead.”
“We have secured a seven-day police remand of both accused and they are being further interrogated. We hope to get more clarity after ascertaining the motive,” said SP Singh.
He said there was a possibility of others involved in the case.
“There could be arrests of more persons involved in this conspiracy. Both accused had met the deceased for the second time. Since the accused had stayed here, we are investigating all their activities while they were in Goa to ascertain the motive and the plan. We have not yet recovered the firearm used in the murder and the cartridge of the bullet is 7.62 mm,” said SP Singh.
The final rites of the deceased, Amar Naik, will be conducted on Saturday afternoon.
“The mortal remains will be brought to his house at around 10.30 am and will leave the residence for the Hindu crematorium at Khariwaddo and the final rites will take place at 12 pm,” said a source.
