PANAJI
While there’s still no clarity on the motive of the attack on Ravi Shirodkar, the daring crime -- executed barely around 800 metres from a premise that allegedly doubles as a gambling den and also allegedly operated by the prime accused in the case.
Credible information with The Goan reveals that the ‘house’ located in Nagoa-Arpora is registered in the name of a politician’s kin and leased to Manoj Singh. This same venue is used as a front for running the illegal business. “We suspect Tarzan Parsekar operates the gambling activities from this place. Singh who is the brother of notorious criminal Gajendra aka Chotu, is well aware of it,” sources said.
The attack is believed to be in connection with the gambling activities but the Goa police are tight-lipped even as over a dozen arrests are made in the last five days. The motive has not been cleared so far.
It is believed that after partying at ‘X’ Club Bar & Restaurant in Calangute on the fateful night, Parsekar and his gang had allegedly proceeded to the gambling den when a rift with Shirodkar turned violent.
Whether rivalry to dominate the illegal trade in the area or it was an impromptu assault over trivial reason(s) is yet to be unearthed.
Parsekar, who has an anti-social antecedent has been arrested while Singh continues to be on the run. Interestingly both are residents of Anjuna.
Shirodkar is reportedly still critical with the State police banking on his statement for investigation.
The attempted murder investigation has exposed coordination problems between the two coastal police stations. Two hours before Shirodkar was stabbed in the middle of the road, Parsekar and his associates had partied at the Club to celebrate the latter’s birthday. It is not known whether the police have been able to lay their hands on security cameras, if installed and in working condition around the crime scene.
Parsekar is soon to face charges under stringent NSA and externment. Sources said other accused might also face externment proceedings.
