BJP demands CBI investigation
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JULY 9
Mounting pressure on the State Government to divest Home Minister Ravi Naik of his portfolio for alleged links of his son Roy Naik with drug dealer-police nexus; the legislative wing of the BJP on Friday made a representation to Governor Shivinder Singh Sidhu demanding investigation be handed over to CBI.
Addressing a press conference at the Assembly Complex in Porvorim, on Friday evening, Damu Naik spokesperson BJP legislative wing, said Goa’s image has taken a hit due to alleged involvement of the home minister’s son with drug-dealer-police nexus.
Since the disclosure on Youtube by Israeli drug dealer Yaniv Benaim alias Atala that some police official had nexus with the drug dealers and subsequent suspension and arrest of seven police men including police inspector Ashish Shirodkar, BJP has been demanding that investigation should be conducted through CBI.
The BJP renewed its efforts in pressing their demand following revelation by Lucky Farmhouse, Atala’s ex-girl friend wherein she named home minister’s son having links with drug dealers. Lucky Farmhouse in an interview to Israeli newspaper reportedly disclosed about the involvement of the minister’s son.
“We have submitted to the Governor that Ravi Naik be stripped off his home portfolio and the investigation into drug-dealer police nexus which has been currently probed by Crime Branch be handed over to CBI,” he said in the presence of the Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar and Mapusa MLA, Francis D’Souza.
The BJP has submitted a newspaper cutting of the interview published in Israeli newspaper to the Governor. Citing Supreme Court judgement Naik said the investigation has to be carried through an independent agency where police involvement in the crime is apparent.
When pointed out that government has questioned the authenticity of the interview published in foreign newspaper, Parrikar retorted, “Why did they suspend police men immediately after drug dealers-police nexus disclosed on the net. Did they enquire about authenticity of the news?”
To a question as to what would be the BJP’s stand if the government doesn’t give in to their demand, he said, issue will be raised on the floor of the House in the forthcoming assembly session that begins on July 19, expressing confidence that the government will have to eventually meet their demand as in the case of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP). Though the government was adamant on his stand it finally decided to re-tender contract for HSRP.
2500 Questions: Gearing up to the monsoon session, the BJP has submitted 2500 questions to be tabled in the House, informed Parrikar during a press conference and indicated that BJP will raise all the boiling issues this session.
