BASURI DESAI
PANJIM: Why did Siddiqui alias Suleman Khan, the undertrial who escaped from Crime Branch custody on December 13, change his statements in the two videos he released during the nine days he was on the run? Fuelled by the discrepancies and the doubts raised by his rearrest, it’s a question that has been doing the rounds for weeks even as the police have clammed up and tried to deflect all queries about the investigation.
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However, the controversy flared up once more on Friday, with AAP Goa chief Amit Palekar claiming on Friday that he had reliable information that Siddiqui had recently told the Bicholim Court that he was held at gunpoint and forced to make the second video.
Adv Palekar said, “I am not sure, but I have been told that Suleman Khan has categorically stated in Bicholim court that the second video was made at gunpoint. This was in the open court. Based on his statement, Valpoi Police should file an FIR. It was made in the public and the court took cognisance of it.”
Palekar’s claim is sure to bring further scrutiny to the case, which has the unusual distinction of being investigated by the same agency – the Crime Branch – whose officials were involved in helping him escape. Goa Congress Vice-President Sunil Kawthankar said: “The departmental inquiry has found four more cops guilty in the Siddiquie scape, which vindicates our stand that it cannot be the job of a single police constable. Was the alleged presence of Deputy Speaker Joshua in the police lockup investigated – Goa Police has to answer this.”
Speaking to O Heraldo, former SP Bossuet Silva said: “In this case, there are two videos presenting two different versions. I have no idea how the first video reached Sunil Kawthankar, and I am unaware of its source. The first video is supported by CCTV footage, but the case has been severely compromised as the complainant himself is under suspension, and disciplinary action has been initiated against him by the department.”
Referring to the second video, the Silva remarked, “If the second video involves claims of coercion or being forced at gunpoint, such allegations would typically warrant an investigation by a central agency, as they cast aspersions on the integrity of Goa Police officers.” He further noted, “Even the accused, after being re-arrested, had demanded a CBI inquiry.”
