PANJIM: The Goa Human Rights
Commission (GHRC) has issued notice to Goa government over a petition seeking
proper investigation into 11-year-old murder case allegedly involving BJP leader
Vishwajit Krishnarao Rane.
The notices returnable on February
28 was served on Chief Secretary Dharmendra Sharma and Director General of
Police Dr Mukesh Chander based on a petition filed by lawyer-activist Aires
Rodrigues.
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Rodrigues has accused the
investigating officer of functioning under pressure of “senior politicians” by
not arresting Rane and Prashant Desai, in whose Bar and Restaurant the murder
allegedly happened. “The police perhaps on directives of senior politicians are
now intentionally dragging their feet and as a mere eye wash only questioning Rane’s
(former) driver instead of nabbing the accused himself,” he alleged n the
petition filed on Tuesday.
The petitioner urged that
Chief Secretary and DGP be directed to explain as to what steps they are taking
to ensure a proper investigation into this most foul alleged murder.
Taking immediate cognizance
of the petition, the two member commission headed by chairperson A D Salkar
issued the notices seeking a reply either in person or through their legal
representative. “You are requested to appear in person or through an
advocate on February 28 at 11am,” reads the notice.
The BJP candidate contested
the recently held Goa State Legislative Assembly election from Poriem
constituency.
The news of his alleged
involvement in the murder surfaced when his former driver Pandurang Adarkar
confessed on a video of being witness to the incident in the year 2006. The
Kolhapur-native, whose video has gone viral, alleged that Rane shot dead
Shanu Gaonkar while accusing him of being involved in killing of his (Rane’s)
brother Prithviraj in 2005 year.
