PORVORIM
The State government has declined to table the status of the investigation into the death of teenager Siddhi Naik in the Goa Legislative Assembly. While the Goa Police have been slow and hesitant in their handling of the case, its status including the forensic findings, has been withheld.
Replying to an unstarred question by the Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant maintained that the case is still under investigation.
“At this stage Investigation of the case is in progress and the disclosure of information could hamper the investigation,” the CM replied.
In August 2021, Siddhi Naik’s semi-clad body was found washed ashore on Calangute beach, leaving her family and the entire State in shock. Even after close to two years, her death remains a mystery, despite her family’s contention that she was murdered.
In August 2022, the Crime Branch was expected to file a closure report, as they found no evidence pointing to murder. However, due to objections raised by her family regarding this decision, the report has been delayed to avoid controversy.
Meanwhile, the government has also rejected handing over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation stating that the police are adequately equipped to investigate the matter on its own merits.
“Goa Police is investigating the case on merit, hence, no need to hand over the investigation to CBI,” Sawant, also the Home Minister, said.
Barely a year ago, Naik’s 13-year-old sister attempted suicide allegedly because her mother denied her permission to use a mobile phone. This was her second attempt at taking her life. Police officials had then stated that she will be counselled to understand the implications of using electronic devices and they also considered anger management training for her.
