Team Herald
PANJIM: Goencho Avaaz on Tuesday demanded that the State government exercise its powers under Section 268 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and pass orders to nullify any transfer warrant of one of the accused that may be issued by any Court in Madhya Pradesh. The NGO also demanded that the State government set up a fast track court for the case.
Addressing the media, Goencho Avaaz Co-convenor Captain Viriato Fernandes said, “We are closely monitoring the investigation of the gang rape case at Betalbatim. One of the three arrested accused is a hardened criminal involved in a rape and double murder crime in Madhya Pradesh and carries a reward on his head.”
He added, “Though we appreciate the investigation by Goa Police leading to the arrest of the accused, we are extremely apprehensive about the likelihood of political pressure being used to weaken the case and free the accused.”
He said there is the possibility of a transfer warrant as one of the murder accused is a close confidante of a powerful MLA from Madhya Pradesh and it is given to understand that the MP police may use a transfer warrant to take custody of the accused.
Advocate Ohm Stanley said, “We appreciate Goa Police for stating that they will fight the transfer warrant. However, a clear power to stop the transfer actually lies with the government. Section 268 of the CrPC gives the government powers to pass orders directly that the accused will not be removed from prison where they are presently detained.”
He demanded that the government exercise its powers under Section 268 of the CrPC to immediately pass an order to nullify any transfer warrant that may be issued by any Court in Madhaya Pradesh under Section 267 of the CrPC.
Goencho Avaaz has also extended support of any kind to the survivor, her companion and her family and assured their support to the police to withstand and overcome any kind of political pressure that the government may try using to weaken the case to help the accused go free.
