PANAJI
In a setback to Goa Police into the SIT custody escape of land grab accused Suleman Siddiqui Khan, the North Goa Sessions Court has discharged him, and dismissed IRB constable Amit Naik along with their alleged accomplice Hazrat Saab Bavannavar, from charges under Section 156 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in the case.
The court observed that BNS Section applies only to public servants who voluntarily allow a prisoner of state or war to escape. The matter has been remanded to the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) to determine whether charges can be framed under other applicable provisions.
Khan had escaped from police lock-up on December 13 last year, allegedly with the help of Naik. He was re-arrested nine days later, reportedly after abandoning Naik mid-way in Hubli.
However, Khan claimed he had surrendered to the police, releasing videos in which he alleged police misconduct and maintained his innocence.
