VASCO, AUG 26
BJP Spokesperson Rajendra Arlekar on Thursday questioned the attitude of the State government and home minister over the disappearance of Israeli drug peddler Yaniv Benaim alias Atala.
Addressing a press conference at Vasco BJP office on Thursday, Arlekar said the State government and the home minister are confused about Atala’s disappearance and are making baseless statements before the media.
“To hide his lie, Naik is claiming that Atala is missing since August 7, while the fact is that Atala was not traceable since July 13,” alleged Arlekar.
“Since the home minter has made statement in the Assembly that Atala was in the State during the recently concluded assembly, Naik in order to hide his lie, said Atala has gone missing since August 7 after the Assembly session concluded,” stated Arlekar.
“If Naik feels that Atala’s presence in the State is of not much importance, then why the police department has issued a lookout notice,” questioned Arlekar.
“We still reiterate our demand for CBI probe, as it appears that Naik is protecting the drug dealer,” said Arlekar.
Recalling Naik’s allegations that few politicians are also involved in taking protection money from drug dealers, Arlekar said: “If Naik’s claims are so strong, he should come openly and disclose the name of the politicians.”
“People of Goa want to know the nexus behind the drug racket. The altitude of the police has remained suspicious and Court has also agreed on it, thus it is the responsibility of the government to bring the fact before people,” said Arlekar.
