DGP lauds men; CM announces prize

DGP lauds men; CM announces prize
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JULY 4
“Goa is safe,” and the recent three incidents of extortions are only isolated cases, claimed B S Bassi, Director General of Police (DGP) while applauding his men for successfully nabbing all the seven accused involved in the kidnapping of 22-year-old Anjuna youth for ransom of Rs 5 crore.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday here, the DGP said meticulous investigation with swift follow up action provided the initial break-through. Later, both the district police forces worked in excellent coordination with other units and launched the largest ever combing operation in the recent times in Kola jungle.
After extensive search operation that lasted the whole night, all the accused were arrested at different places in Agonda. Initially five accused were arrested and sixth was nabbed from a hide-out in the Kola jungle in the night and captive Sterling D’Souza was freed.
One of the accused who evaded police the whole night was nabbed early morning.
Seven accused Ajay Thapa, Rajesh Kumar, Resham Thapa Magar, Raju
Thapa Magar, Talin Nyona, Arjun Sharma and Janak Thapa Mogar were arrested from Kola jungle where they had made a provision for safe “hide-out.”
The DGP said this is a third time in the year police have succeeded in nabbing extortionists. But when pointed out that this also implies that Goa is becoming “unsafe” he reiterated that “Goa is safe.”
Ravindra Yadav, DIG who planned and guided the operation with involvement of senior officers such as SPs Arvind Gawas and Allen D’Sa said success of police in foiling attempts of kidnapping for extortions will discourage potential kidnappers.
When asked to explain the failure of Goa police in tracking down former tourism minister Mickky Pacheco who finally resurfaced after a month in hiding, on Saturday morning, DGP pointed out that every case is unique. In the extortion case, life of the victim was at stake and hence combing operation was conducted.
Meanwhile, Stephen D’Souza, relived after seeing his son rescued by Goa police from the clutches of his abductors, he thanked God and Goa Police.
He said, he did not sleep since his son was abducted on June 2 night and it was real nightmare.
Police awarded: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has announced an award of Rs 1 lakh to the entire team of police that participated in the massive hunt of the kidnappers and succeeded in their operation.