The case surrounding Siddique alias Suleman Khan, the most wanted accused in a land-grab case, has snowballed into a controversial saga that has left the Goa Police grappling with credibility issues. Was Siddique kidnapped, or did he escape? While this crucial question remains unanswered, the series of incidents that unfolded have cast a shadow of doubt over the efficiency and integrity of the police force. The entire episode seems to follow a suspiciously scripted sequence, raising serious concerns.
The sequence of events began with the reported escape of Siddique, who has over 15 criminal cases, including murder, registered against him. Capturing such a notorious criminal was hailed as a significant achievement, but his escape from the custody of the Crime Branch has raised eyebrows.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Adding to the suspicion, CCTV footage showing a police constable aiding Siddique’s escape surfaced almost immediately and went viral. Such footage, which is considered highly confidential, reaching media and social platforms within hours, is unusual and concerning.
The footage showed IRB constable Amit Naik purportedly helping Siddique escape, leading to Naik’s dismissal and subsequent surrender in Karnataka. Reports suggested that Naik was lured by a promise of Rs 3 crore, though he claimed he was cheated out of this sum. Later, Naik’s attempted suicide by consuming phenol only added to the intrigue. Despite his critical role in the escape, his allegations and mental state have not been given due consideration in the investigation, further complicating matters.
The drama intensified when a pen drive containing a video message from Siddique surfaced at the residence of AAP leader Amit Palekar. The video was subsequently handed over to Congress’ Sunil Kavathankar, who released it to the media. In this video, Siddique alleged that he had not escaped but was forcibly taken to Karnataka by two police teams.
He further accused a BJP MLA and deputy speaker of threatening him to transfer land and claimed to have been assaulted in custody. These explosive allegations, combined with the absence of any reference to Naik’s involvement, have added layers of complexity to the case.
Several glaring inconsistencies have emerged, exposing lapses in the investigation:
While the footage of Siddique’s escape was shared widely, the absence of footage showing his journey beyond the Crime Branch cell raises doubts. If the police have nothing to hide, why not release all relevant footage?
How did a most-wanted criminal manage to escape from a supposedly high-security custody cell? Was the facility adequate for detaining someone of Siddique’s criminal profile?
The rapid dissemination of confidential footage and the constable’s apparent ease in facilitating the escape suggest either gross negligence or complicity within the force.
The focus on questioning Kavathankar about the pen drive’s origins, rather than catching Siddique, reflects misplaced priorities. Five days after his escape, Siddique remains at large, deepening public mistrust.
The involvement of high-profile figures, including the allegations against a BJP MLA, has turned this criminal case into a political hotbed. The opposition has seized the opportunity to criticize the ruling government, demanding the Chief Minister’s resignation. Meanwhile, BJP spokespersons are urging patience, asking for time to conclude the investigation.
However, this plea for trust rings hollow in light of past unresolved scams involving the police. With no significant breakthroughs in other cases, the public is understandably sceptical of the police’s ability to resolve this matter transparently.
Siddique’s allegations, if untrue, could be dismissed as an attempt to divert attention. Yet, the police’s reluctance to release comprehensive evidence, such as additional CCTV footage, only strengthens the perception of a cover-up. The Goa Police must confront these allegations head-on. Merely dismissing them as a criminal’s ploy is insufficient; the force’s integrity is at stake.
Siddique’s four-and-a-half-year evasion of justice already reflects poorly on law enforcement. His re-arrest is crucial, not just for justice but also for the police’s credibility. The unresolved nature of his escape and the allegations he has made underscore the urgent need for transparency and accountability in this case.
