PANAJI
The Old Goa Police on Friday said that dismissed Indian Reserve Battalion constable Amit Naik had attempted suicide while in custody, which delayed his interrogation. Naik, accused of facilitating the escape of “hardened criminal” Suleman Siddique Khan on December 13, was admitted to Goa Medical College (GMC) for three days, until December 17, after the suicide attempt.
Moreover, once Naik was discharged, he was advised to consult the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) due to his mental and physical health issues. In its submission, the police explained to the Panaji Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) that this prevented Naik’s questioning as he was declared unfit for custodial interrogation.
The submission was made in reply to Naik’s bail application, as he is accused of facilitating Suleman’s escape from the lock-up at the Crime Branch, Ribandar.
“Naik was discharged from GMC on December 17 and advised (by doctors) to consult IPHB; hence, thorough interrogation could not be done. Naik was remanded to 10 days of judicial custody from December 18 due to his mental and physical health issues and as he was not fit/stable for custodial interrogation. Once the doctor certifies he will be mentally/physically fit, he will be taken into police custody for thorough interrogation,” the police stated, opposing his bail plea.
The police further accused Naik of hatching a criminal conspiracy to help Suleman flee the lock-up while being posted for sentry lock-up duty.
The North Goa police traced the duo to Hubballi using CCTV footage. During questioning, Naik allegedly admitted to dropping Khan in Hubballi but refused to disclose further details. Police also alleged that Naik confessed during interrogation that Khan had offered him Rs 3 crore to facilitate the escape. However, Naik has not cooperated with the investigative team in disclosing Suleman’s whereabouts.
The police also listed several reasons for seeking Naik’s custody, including: to ascertain the motive behind harbouring Suleman and confirm if he received any part of the Rs 3 crore offer; to locate Suleman with Naik’s assistance and conduct scene-of-offence and escape panchanamas; and to record statements from other prime witnesses who escorted and guarded Suleman.
The Old Goa police also raised apprehensions that if released on bail, Naik may contact Suleman or threaten witnesses. Hence, they sought his judicial custody for a fair and thorough investigation. The JMFC adjourned the hearing to Saturday.
