PANAJI
Remember the man who hoodwinked the Goa government claiming he is a Uttar Pradesh Cooperation Minister, enjoyed the State government's hospitality and presided as chief guest at a function two years ago?He finally goes on trial more than two years later in mid-January when a Panaji court will take up the matter for framing of charges.
The charge-sheet against Sunil Singh and four of his accomplices was filed before the court by Goa Police's Crime Branch in October last, nearly two years after the incident when in December-January of 2019-20 they stayed at the Circuit House in Altinho for nearly 12 days.
During those twelve days, Singh even met with Cooperation Minister Govind Gaude ostensibly to discuss matters related to the portfolio and also presided over an event at a Canacona school as chief guest, where BJP leader and former cooperation minister Prakash Velip was also present.
He and four of his accomplices were arrested when his bluff was called by officials in the office of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant when he had sought an appointment. They later got bail from a court.
In those 12 days that he was treated as an UP minister, Singh was provided all the facilities of a 'state guest' including a car and personal security officer drawn from the Goa police department.
