PORIEM: The transfer of PSI Prathamesh Gawas to the reserve line failed to quell public anger, as Valpoi witnessed a second consecutive day of high-voltage protests on Saturday. Grieving family members and locals, who besieged the police station, demanded nothing less than the immediate arrest and termination of Gawas and other personnel allegedly involved in the custodial assault of 28-year-old Moin Shaikh.
Moin reportedly died by suicide at his residence within two days after being released from police custody.
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Stating that the transfer of PSI Gawas to the reserve line was not enough, the family and protestors insisted on immediate arrests and appealed to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Health Minister Vishwajit Rane to intervene and ensure justice.
Speaking to the media, a cousin of the deceased warned that the family would not leave the police station premises until concrete action is taken against those responsible.
The family further alleged that CCTV footage shown to them includes audio in which Moin can be heard crying and screaming. According to them, at least six police personnel, including PSI Gawas, were involved in the alleged assault. They also claimed that although Moin was taken for a medical examination, the report has not yet been provided to them.
Speaking to the media, Superintendent of Police Vishwesh Karpe said that a preliminary inquiry has already been initiated and assured that the matter would be taken up with higher authorities for further action.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, who is also the Valpoi MLA, has written to Director General of Police Alok Kumar seeking a re-investigation into the case.
According to the family, Moin was in police custody between April 25 and April 26 in connection with a case they claim was falsely registered against him. They allege that he was subjected to physical assault during this period.
The family further claimed that after his release, Moin was deeply traumatised due to the alleged custodial abuse, which they believe led him to die by suicide at his home in the evening of April 28.
Protests had already begun on Friday, when relatives and local residents staged a demonstration outside the Valpoi Police Station from morning till late night, demanding the immediate suspension of PSI Gawas.
It may be recalled that on Friday night, Valpoi PI Videsh Shirodkar informed protesters that a wireless message had been received confirming that PSI Gawas had been transferred to the reserve line at the North Goa district headquarters pending further action.
A close relative of the deceased stated that a formal complaint has been filed, seeking stringent action against all those involved and detailing the sequence of events from Moin’s detention to the circumstances leading to his death.
Further investigation into the case is underway.
