PANJIM: Due to multiple contradictions in the statement of
witness Pandurang Arthalkar Goa Police is facing hardship in collecting the
evidence in Shanu Gaonkar murder case of 2006 that was allegedly killed by
BJP’s Poreim leader Vishwajit Krishnarao Rane.
Speaking to reporters Deputy General of Police Vimal
Anand Gupta said that Police team are still verifying and looking to collect
definite evidence as alleged by Arthalkar in a video recording which was
circulated on social media.
He said that Arthalkar is continuously changing the
statement which contradicts with each other.
“We are trying our best to collect the evidences but
so far we have not been able to trace anything based on the Arthalkar’s
statement. So far he has changed his statement thrice on three different
occasions when he was called for recording the statement,” Gupta said.
He informed that Arthalkar is completely cooperating
with the investigating agency.
Gupta said that Rane would be also summoned to record
his statement at the last, as formality sake if no evidence is found.
He said that the allegation of extorting money from
Rane would be also investigated if the allegations made by Arthalkar are
baseless.
“We will investigate every angle to take this case to
logical conclusion, if there are some allegations of extortion behind the
entire episode that will be also looked into,” DIG mentioned when asked if
claim made by Rane in media would be also looked into.
Shanu Gaonkar, a Saleli-Sattari resident was missing
since December 3, 2006. A formal complaint was filed at the Valpoi Police
Station whereas it was closed by Police after finding no trace of his.
However, the entire investigation as reopened last
month following allegation made by Arthalkar who is a former drive of Rane and
had left job prior to recently held assembly election.
“Tracing the remains of body is must as almost 10
years have passed post missing. Secondly the statements have to be recorded of
all the witnesses, so far almost 30 witnesses we have collected,” DIG
said.
