PANJIM: Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the custodial death of notorious gangster Ashpaq Ubbass Bengre.
“This morning I got a report from North Superintendent of Police informing about the death of Bengre. It has been revealed that he was killed by his fellow inmate at Colvale jail, when he was taken out of custody in the morning,” Parsekar told the House at the start of the session.
The Chief Minister said that since it is a custodial death, the Mapusa
sub-district magistrate (SDM) has been directed to conduct an inquiry and submit the report at the earliest. “Bengre was brought to Mapusa district hospital, wherein he was declared dead,” he said.
Independent MLA Vijai Sardesai brought to the notice of the State Assembly that a few days earlier there were media reports exposing a nexus between jail guards and inmates, as a result of which birthday parties and other entertainment are held in the jail. “People are not safe outside police custody and also inside the jail,” he said.
The legislator demanded a discussion on the issue, which was rejected by Speaker Anant Shet.
