Team Herald
PANJIM: Even as the young victim struggles at the GMC ward and the police had summoned the Padmashree awardee Remo Fernandes to be present at Agassim Police station for allegedly threatening the minor girl, the singing sensation and heart-throb of yesteryears has expressed his inability to appear before the investigating officer on Monday, as he was out of the country.
“… I will be unable to be present tomorrow, December 21, as I am in Europe to attend some very urgent work and meetings,” he has said in a press statement issued on Sunday.
“This trip was planned months ago and tickets were booked on August 17, 2015. The date of purchase can be seen on the tickets,” said Remo while attaching the copy of a ticket along with the statement.
“It’s authenticity can be verified at Qatar Airways,” he said.
The 61-year old singer will, however, send his lawyer to meet the investigating officer on his behalf. Fernandes was asked to remain present before the investigating officer on Monday at 10.00 am. Prior to that, the authorities should have confirmed his presence and checked if he had plans or had already left the country on any pretext. Unfortunately, the authorities have to eat humble pie now for having called him at a time when he is already abroad. It clearly shows the lapses on the part of the investing agencies.
Fernandes, however, refused to comment on the allegations levied against him. He even did not comment when asked whether he would move to Children Court for anticipatory bail.
Goa Police had put up summons on the door of Fernandes’ Siolim residence as he was not in the state. He has been accused of threatening a minor girl, who was knocked down by his son earlier this month. The police complaint mentions that the girl was threatened by the singer in ward number 105. The girl is apparently getting treatment at Goa medical college and hospital (GMC).
“Police visited his place at Siolim but he was not at home. His aide told us that he is not at home. We have put up summons on his door,” Agassaim Police Inspector Jivba Dalvi said.
Police have already recorded statement of the girl and her elder sister and GMC staff who were on duty when the victim was brought in.
