Team Herald
MARGAO: Calling upon the South Superintendent of Police Arvind Gawas to follow up on various the sections filed against the three accused in the Betalbatim gang-rape case, Goencho Avaaz representatives on Monday demanded that none of accused be handed over to the Madhya Pradesh Police, who are likely to visit the state to take custody of one of them.
Praising the police, Captain Viriato Fernandes appreciated that the cops have already booked the trio under Section 376 (D) that prescribes up to life imprisonment for each.
“We were also apprehensive as the main accused, who is a hardened criminal is reportedly very close to a BJP MLA in Madhya Pradesh and using political influence the MP government may try to take the accused from Goa to give him relief from the punishment in Goa,” alleged Capt Viriato.
However, Superintendent of Police Arvind Gawas strongly refuted any chances of any of the accused being taken away from Goa. “They are criminals caught in Goa after such a struggle and how can we just give them away,” he asked.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Raju Raut Dessai said if the Madhya Pradesh police want to take custody of any of the accused, they will have to come prepared with an order from a relevant court directing the Goa Police to give custody of the accused.
“At least till the time the charge-sheet is filed, nobody can take charge of these accused,” he said adding that the Goa Police were determined to ensure that the most stringent punishment is pronounced to the three accused.
