FIR against unnamed cops in Cipriano case
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, FEB 9
Crime Branch on Wednesday filed a case of murder and destruction of evidence against unnamed police officers in the Cipriano Fernandes custodial death case.
Police spokesperson and Superintendent of Police Atmaram Deshpande informed that an FIR (first information report) under Section 302 (murder) and section 201 read with 34 (destroying evidence) of Indian Penal Code was filed against police officers who were on duty when Cipriano was in police custody.
Even though three police personnel, including Police Inspector Sandesh Chodankar have been suspended for the incident, Deshpande said the FIR has been filed against all police officers who were on duty without specifying names.
“At present all officers, who were on duty right from the time Cipriano was brought to the police station till he died, are being investigated,” Deshpande said adding it was a grave crime and it will be investigated speedily.
Deshpande confirmed the FIR had been registered based on the sub divisional magistrate’s (SDM) inquiry report into the death which concluded Cipriano had died in police custody.
Similarly, a preliminary inquiry by Deputy Superintendent of Police Bossuette Silva had established no proper procedures were followed during Cipriano’s arrest. Some eye witnesses too have claimed the deceased was assaulted in custody.
The case will now be investigated by Police Inspector Braz Menezes. “Being a criminal case, the investigating officer will have to identify the main accused and name him accordingly,” Deshpande said.
