PANJIM: Goa Police has formed special teams to nab the killers of Vilas Mhetar, who was burnt alive in the outskirts of Porvorim, on Wednesday.
The brutal killing of the Torda resident sent shockwaves across the State prompting directions from Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant to track down the accused.
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On Thursday, the police superiors set up teams headed by police inspectors (PIs) to look out for the unidentified killers. The North Goa police have roped-in officers and its staff from Panjim, Calangute, Bicholim, Saligao, Pernem and Crime Branch to assist the Porvorim police to crack the case.
“Several special teams under PIs are formed to trace the whereabouts of the accused. We have also activated our intelligence units, and alerted our counterparts in the neighbouring States. We have also interrogated several suspects,” a police source told Herald.
The victim was set ablaze in his car by the two men who intercepted him at Torda, on Wednesday.
“They threw kerosene on Mhetar and lit the fire. The accused fled but some locals tried to save the man and soon called the police, ambulance and the panchayat. He was immediately taken to the Goa Medical College and Hospital where he succumbed on Thursday morning,” the source revealed.
As per the initial reports, the victim had been reporting about alleged illegalities by a builder to the local panchayat and succeeded to stall some of the projects.
While a case of murder is registered, police higher ups say, they are investigating all the angles. The investigation teams are also looking out for CCTV cameras, if installed in and around the crime site; as well as shop/s, from where the murder weapons were purchased.
Sources said that investigation teams have received instructions to remain tight-lipped on the case until arrests are made with the Opposition parties demanding tough action against the murderers.
