Accused gets nine days police custody as SP proceeds on leave

Team Herald

MARGAO: Evander Rodrigues, one of the accused in the murder of jeweller Swapnil Walke at Margao was remanded to nine days police custody on Sunday.

With the Crime Branch already investigating the case, sources informed that South Goa SP Pankaj Kumar Singh has proceeded on leave. 

Sources further informed that he had applied for the leave much earlier. 

However, the timing of his leave has been questioned. 

Meanwhile, Crime Branch SP Mahesh Gaonkar has been given additional charge as South Goa SP. 

Earlier on Sunday, the Evander was produced before the JMFC and was remanded to nine days police custody. 

While Edson Gonsalves has been detained and not arrested, sources informed that he has no direct link with the murder execution. 

It is pertinent to note that Evander is a habitual offender. He is in the police records for stealing valuables from his Anjuna relative under the garb of keeping them in the bank. 

It may be recalled that in February, the Anjuna Police had taken Omkar Patil into custody in connection with a robbery and had recovered ornaments worth Rs 4 lakh. However, the remaining valuables are not yet recovered. 

Meanwhile, the residents of Margao especially the near and dear ones of Walke have started a social media movement to seek justice for him. 

“He fought like a warrior. Let’s support this movement and fight for justice,” said Vikram Verlekar.