PANJIM: At a time when Goa Police is mired in controversy over aggression and violent behaviour by some men-in-khaki, the department is now caught in a major security lapse as the Betalbatim gang rape accused escaped from custody of the escort police team.
While a massive manhunt has been launched to trace the whereabouts of Ishwar Makhwana, police higher ups have suspended a head constable and three constables for the lapse.
On Monday morning, Makhwana, one of the three prime accused in the Betalbatim gang rape case, escaped from Ward Number II of T B Hospital at Bhatulem where he was admitted for treatment. He, along with two others allegedly involved in the offence, was lodged at Colvale Central Jail before being taken to the hospital.
“A police complaint has been lodged and we have begun an extensive search to trace his whereabouts. All public places and other locations have been put on alert and our teams are on their toes. Our police counterparts have also been informed about his escape,” PI Siddhant Shirodkar said.
The three Indore-based accused – Makhwana (24), Sanjeev Dhananjay Pal (25) and Ram Santosh Bhariya (24) – were arrested in May for allegedly raping a 20-year-old girl on Betalbatim beach. They have also been charged with forcing the male friend to rape her while they filmed the act. The accused had threatened to circulate the video on social media if they failed to pay Rs 1 lakh. A charge sheet was filed in July 2018.
Makhwana is wanted by Madhya Pradesh Police in many other crimes, including rape.
Goa Police have suspended the four police personnel for the security lapse and have initiated a departmental inquiry.
