PANAJI
Director General of Police Jaspal Singh has acknowledged concerns regarding the Mardol police’s initial handling of the investigation into the fatal accident at Banastarim, emphasizing that if anyone misled the police, he should have been made a part of the investigation.
Singh also asserted that there was no political interference in the case, which is currently being investigated by the Crime Branch.
DGP’s comment came in the context of allegations that prime accused Paresh Sawardekar’s former driver Ganesh Lamani falsely claimed to be driving the Mercedes Benz GA-07-K-7311 on the fateful day 6. Advocate Amit Palekar is also facing charges of conspiracy by misleading the police in shielding Paresh Both co-accused were arrested by the Crime Branch but released on conditional bail soon thereafter.
In the same breath, DGP Singh defended Mardol police’s action stating that they had to address possible law and order concerns arising from the horrific accident before delving into the investigation.
“Initial probe was on the right track except… that there was a possibility of some law and order problem so it is quite possible the Investigating Officer thought ‘let me handle this first.’ At that time, the investigation was at the very initial stage, but yes, when certain individuals tried to mislead the probe and during the initial questioning it was found that he (Lamani) was not driving (the SUV), he should have been made a part of the investigation,” the top cop said.
He added that the decision to arrest or not is the discretion of the IO, as the law states that the police “may” arrest, not that they “shall” arrest. “Ultimately, the legality of actions is determined by the Court of law,” he said.
While declining to delve into the details of the case, Singh went on to explain that at that time, the primary concern for the local police was to manage public resentment effectively. “A large number of people had gathered at the police station. There was every likelihood of a law and order problem. In such cases, the primary responsibility is to ensure the law is maintained and simultaneously to ensure precious evidence is not destroyed,” he said.
To another question if the department is under political pressure or if the investigation is politically motivated, DGP firmly denied it. “I didn't get any (politically motivated) calls. If I did receive any calls, it was to ensure fair and professional investigation is conducted,” he said, reiterating no one attempted to influence the investigation.
Speaking on the overall crime scenario in the wake of a number of heinous crimes being reported, Singh claimed there is no substantial rise compared to the past years. In fact, he added, heinous crimes in Goa have dropped by 36 per cent.
On the drugs front, DGP did not rule out locals' involvement in the clandestine operations of drugs trade. "Without the local help, drug trade cannot operate. Our data supports that locals, foreign nationals and outsiders are involved. Goa is a consumption point," he said.
