TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The Congress party on Wednesday questioned the grounds on which the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), that is investigating the drug-police nexus case, has granted a NOC to the ‘tainted’ policemen that led to their reinstatement. A letter has also been drafted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office informing him of the State government’s decision.
Addressing the media, Congress spokesperson Sunil Kawthankar said a letter has been forwarded to CBI questioning how it can grant a NOC to reinstate the ‘tainted’ cops when investigation is in process. “CBI will have to justify this. The move proves that political pressure has forced CBI to give a clean chit to these police officers,” he said.
“The BJP-government is of drug peddlers,” Kawthankar alleged, adding that the decision of the government would be challenged in court.
In an order issued on Tuesday, the government reinstated seven policemen, including Police Inspector Ashish Shirodkar, who were among nearly 18 policemen suspended in 2010 for their alleged nexus with the drug mafia in the State. They have been reinstated despite an ongoing departmental inquiry against them.
“This is a shameless government, shielding every corrupt person. The act is a clear deviation from BJP’s pre-poll promise of zero tolerance to corruption and crime,” the Congress spokesperson said.
“The BJP-led government has further encouraged these police officials to be part of illegal activities, while discouraging honest officers,” Kawthankar said.
Claiming that several policemen are involved in the drug-trade nexus, Kawthankar said that the ‘drug nexus is the biggest threat to a State like Goa.’
He reiterated the series of allegations levied by then opposition leader Manohar Parrikar against Congress for shielding the drug trade. “When BJP took over, I initially thought that Parrikar will bring in change, he will book the culprit, be it politician, police or drug peddler, no one would be spared, but I was wrong,” he said.
Home minister shielding Chodankar
Congress on Wednesday charged that the Home Minister is shielding suspended Police Inspector Sandesh Chodankar, against whom an FIR has been registered under corruption charges.
“There is political pressure not to arrest Chodankar. The Home Minister himself is shielding him,” Congress spokesperson Sunil Kawthankar said. Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar holds the Home portfolio.
“The Rs 7 lakh extortion case is one such case that has been exposed. Chodankar must be involved in many more. There is every possibility that he will destroy all the evidence against him and hence he should be immediately arrested,” Kawthankar said, pointing that Chodankar was also the main accused in the Cipriano Fernandes custodial death case.
Congress has decided to file an official complaint before the SP Crime Branch demanding an inquiry into Chodankar’s financial assets.
