PANAJI
The Goa Police have accused notorious criminal Suleman Siddique Khan of making unverified allegations to dissuade witnesses from testifying against him, either during the investigation or in court.
The department has also sent his mobile phone for forensic analysis -- the same device from which he reportedly made a call from Colvale Central Jail to the media to allege that the police orchestrated his escape from SIT-Land Grab lock-up at Ribandar on December 13, 2024 and thereafter forced him to record a second video at gunpoint.
“While the Old Goa Police continue to investigate all aspects related to his escape from lawful custody, it must be noted that his previous and ongoing cases are either under investigation or sub judice. Some of his statements may be intended to dissuade witnesses from providing their statements to police or court,” reads Goa Police’s statement to the media on Friday.
The accused’s mobile phone(s) were seized from the jail on Thursday and sent to the State Forensic Science Laboratory at Verna to analyse all videos recorded, received or sent from his phone.
Khan, in his telephonic conversation with Prudent Media on Wednesday, claimed that his escape from the lock-up was to divert public attention from the job scam. He also alleged he was merely a pawn in a larger political game.
In another statement outside the court later during the day, Khan stated that he was made to record the second video at gunpoint after being brought to Goa and that he was given electric shocks by the police.
The police termed these statements as unverified. “Recently, media reports have quoted statements made by accused Suleman Siddique Khan to journalists while being produced before the Panaji Court for an extension of his judicial custody. These statements contain unverified claims,” the statement said while adding that he has several cases either under investigation or pending trial.
Moreover, a detailed inquiry report has been sought from the SDPO Panaji regarding the conduct of the police personnel who accompanied Khan to the court, to determine whether any lapses in protocol occurred.
“Investigations by Goa Police have revealed that in nearly all these cases, the accused has defrauded innocent individuals and investors using false promises, forged documents, and intimidation,” the police said.
