TEAM HERALD
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CALANGUTE: The five policemen suspended in connection with a rioting case in Calangute were reinstated by the Director General of Police on Wednesday, after persistent pleas by Calangute MLA Michael Lobo that the cops were not at fault in the case.
Speaking to Herald, Lobo claimed that the five policemen, Suraj Mashalkar, Anand Sawant and Shekar Shetye attached to Calangute Traffic Cell and Ravindra Vazarkar and Suraj Govekar attached to Calangute Police station, were not at fault as they could hardly do anything in the absence of a policewoman.
“The Russian woman could have claimed that the police constables had molested her, if they had tried to pacify her,” added Lobo.
“The five policemen had no role to play in the absence of lady constable, resulting in the fallout of the simple incident. It was total injustice on the five policemen for discharging their duty diligently,” he said.
“I had made a strong case for their reinstatement before Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and I am happy that they have been reinstated and the order for their reinstatement will be issued soon,” said Lobo.
According to police sources, North Goa SP Vishram Borkar had conducted an inquiry into the incident and had concluded that the five policemen were not guilty of dereliction of duty.
It may be recalled that five police personnel were suspended on Saturday for failing to act, despite being present at the site.
Meanwhile, hotel owner, Savio Vales, who was arrested in connection with the case, was released on bail on Wednesday.
