Cops say key suspects have slipped into Bangladesh complicating matter
MAPUSA
More than a month after the brazen dacoity at the residence of noted surgeon Dr Mahendra Ghanekar in Ganeshpuri, the main accused remains at large, even as police struggle to make significant headway in the high-profile case that had shaken one of Mapusa’s elite neighbourhoods.
Police had earlier arrested two men – both Bangladeshi nationals – for allegedly having links with the prime accused. The duo is currently in judicial custody, but investigators admit that beyond these arrests, progress has been limited.
According to police sources, the two arrested men were part of a wider network that allegedly conspired with at least six key suspects, who are believed to have executed the meticulously planned early-morning heist.
Soon after the incident, Goa Police formed multiple teams and dispatched them to neighbouring States in a bid to track down the main culprits. However, despite the initial momentum, no further arrests have been made.
Mapusa SDPO Wilson D’Souza confirmed that investigation teams are pursuing various leads.
“The two arrested accused remain in judicial custody. Our teams are still probing multiple angles. The main suspects have crossed over into Bangladesh, and that complicates matters,” D’Souza said.
He acknowledged the diplomatic challenges involved in pursuing the fugitives.
“India does not have a treaty with Bangladesh, which makes locating and bringing the accused back extremely difficult. But we are exploring all possible diplomatic channels to ensure they are tracked down,” he added.
The dacoity – executed with military-like precision – left residents stunned. Despite Dr Ghanekar’s bungalow being just “a hand-shaking distance” from neighbouring homes, the intruders managed to break in, threaten the family and escape with valuables in the doctor’s own car – all without raising an alarm.
While no family member was physically harmed, the incident rattled the well-to-do locality and sparked concerns over security preparedness in Mapusa’s affluent residential clusters.
One month on, fears linger that the trail may be growing cold.
Residents say the longer the delay, the slimmer the chances of nabbing the masterminds.
The case, which momentarily shocked Mapusa’s collective psyche, now risks slipping from public memory – unless police deliver a breakthrough.
