“The order came as a surprise to me. I had moved to my (official) residence only the previous day,” Parrikar said, as he took a dig at the local activist, who sought his residence’s search for convicted legislator Pacheco.
“How do you stop people who have a flight of imagination and crooked mind? It is an issue which probably the investigation agency should work on. How does the defence minister or his residence come in the picture?” Parrikar asked. “I don’t intend to comment further. The chapter never existed in my book,” he added.
On April 22, Magistrate Bosco Roberts’ order to search for Pacheco at 10 Akbar Road created flutters across the state and Centre. Later the same night, the state government moved the sessions judge seeking a stay, which was granted.
Replying to whether the Home Department has failed in its job with Pacheco untraceable for over a month, Parrikar said the police should work on the case.
“They (Goa Police) can take the help of its counterparts in other states. This is not the first instance (when a politician is absconding). Earlier too someone was not traced but ultimately found.”
To another question that Pacheco should voluntarily surrender, Parrikar said a person should follow the law. “Any person should go by law. I will not speak about a specific person. One should follow the law,” he maintained.
