THURSDAY, MAY 02, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has successfully obtained a four-day extension of police remand for Head Constable Sanjay Talkar, who remains in custody following his arrest in connection with a bribery and extortion case. Talkar, stationed at the Tiracol Coastal Police Station, was initially remanded to five days in police custody, and the extension was deemed necessary to gather additional information crucial for the case’s progression.
In parallel, another officer from the same police station, Head Constable Udairaj alias Raju Kalangutkar, was also arrested in connection with the same case. Kalangutkar, who faced similar allegations of bribery and extortion, was remanded to six days in police custody earlier this week. Following his arrest, the police department suspended him from service.
The focus has now shifted to Police Inspector Videsh Pilgaonkar and another officer, whose names reportedly appeared in the complaint filed by Pruthvi H N, an adventure sports operator from Arambol. According to sources, PI Pilgaonkar was transferred after a complaint was filed against him, suggesting a possible cover-up attempt. The Court has emphasised the seriousness of the matter, stressing the need for a thorough investigation to safeguard the State’s image.
O Heraldo in its April 7 edition had reported on police coercion against Pruthvi H N’s legitimate paragliding business activities, shedding light on the alleged misconduct within the Tiracol Coastal Police Station. In response, sources say that Superintendent of Police (SP) Nelson Albuquerque has issued clear instructions to investigating officers Melito Fernandes and DySP Rajan Nigalye to root out corruption within the force and directed officials concerned to follow the law in letter and in spirit, to deter others from indulging in such crimes.
