the rescued women will have another chance to depose before the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and a panel member appointed under the ITP Act.
Arun Pandey, one of the panel members, who also heads an NGO said, “We will be questioning the rescued victims in front of the SDM and he has to take action accordingly. We, as members of the panel, have a right and it is a rule that we should be present before the SDM while the statement is being recorded,” Pandey said.
Speaking to Herald North Goa Superintendent of Police Umesh Gaonkar said, “There is no need for a separate inquiry. As per our investigation there is no link of our officers. Let the SDM inquire now.”
Sources in the protective home at Merces where the women are accommodated, said a police officer was named and his name was erased from Anjuna Police records.
It is learnt that after the police officer’s transfer to a neighbouring police station from a coastal area police station, the hub of some of the prostitution rackets had also moved to his jurisdiction. Sources said the base has changed for protection.
