PANJIM: The Cabinet Advisory Committee (CAC) did not reject a judicial probe into the March 19 violent protest by mining dependent in the State’s capital, but said that a judicial review is subject to the outcome of the police investigation.
A CAC note clearly mentions that the Congress party in Goa has demanded a judicial probe but the government has received no formal communication from the party. In such a case, the CAC said that the government is open to a judicial review but subject to the outcome of the police investigation.
Panjim Police are investigating the violent protest at the Kranti Circle by the mining dependents who paralysed the national highway over five hours placing the general public and students in trouble. The investigation is currently on at a slow pace, however, Panjim Police have so far identified and arrested 59 people involved in the violence, who were later released on bail.
Panjim PI Sidhant Shirodkar said the investigation is in process and more accused are being identified. He said that photographs and video footage have been sent to all police stations to identify the people involved in the violent protest.
Panjim Police are investigating the case under Sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 336 (endangering life and personal safety of others), 427 (mischief), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 506 (ii) (criminal intimidation) read with 149 (Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object) of IPC and Section 8B of National Highway Act 1956 and Section 3 of PDPA Act, and the Goa Children Act, 2003.
