PANAJI
As repeat offender James D’Souza’s five days of custodial interrogation ended on Monday, a new revelation emerged suggesting he’s considered the blue-eyed boy of the police department. The licensed gun that D’Souza fired into the air in Siolim was actually returned to him by way of a court order last year.
On June 29, 2022, Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Mapusa, Ashwini Khandolkar ordered releasing the gun under certain conditions, which included not using it for any other criminal activities. Surprisingly, despite being a serious offense for which he was booked, the State did not make any attempt to move for the cancellation of his arms license. The Siolim shootout clearly violated one of these conditions laid down by the JMFC.
The 43-year-old Duler-resident, against whom the police are yet to open a history sheet, had executed an indemnity bond of Rs 4 lakh for the firearm that was seized when he impersonated an officer of anti-narcotics cell and fired shots in the air before making off with the loot from his victim in Mapusa.
The investigating officer failed to request the North Goa District Magistrate to cancel his arms license, which allowed him to brazenly utilize the weapon in the current offense. The police did not conduct a ballistic examination either, reliable sources said.
To get his 32-bore pistol back, the accused submitted to the JMFC that it was damaged and needed fixing. On May 10, 2022, he even applied to the District Magistrate for a journey license to service and repair the firearm. There was no response from the magistrate, in what could be another lapse that paved the way to get his gun back.
Court records confirm that D’Souza possesses a valid license, and the police had not pursued the cancellation of his arms license.
Ironically, the accused having at least seven cases against him has described himself as a “businessman in the tourism industry with multiple properties”, and that he required the gun for his self-defense.
With no strong objection from the prosecution, the JMFC then allowed the release of the firearm.
