Team Herald
PANJIM: After the O Heraldo reported about ‘VIP treatment’ of Delhiite who ran over a local woman with his car and Mandrem and killing her on the spot, the Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar on Tuesday ordered an inquiry into the issue. Sources revealed that the Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Pernem Asish Shirodkar has submitted a report into the use of a private vehicle while transporting accused Deepan Batra for legal procedures.
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Superintendent of Police (SP) North Goa Akshat Kaushal has assured that if any deliberate lapse is found, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the responsible officers.
The Mandrem Police have faced strong criticism and public outrage, particularly from the locals after it was revealed that Batra, who is accused of murder, was transported in a private car with tinted windows.
Kaushal confirmed that an inquiry report on the matter has been submitted and that action will follow if required. He also stated that the police have gathered all necessary evidence to build a strong case and ensure that the accused is chargesheeted.
Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar stated that he, along with the villagers, has demanded a thorough investigation into the entire incident. “The accused has been booked for murder, and we will ensure that the case is investigated properly,” Arolkar asserted.
Meanwhile, the Mandrem Congress has also condemned the police for allegedly providing VIP treatment to the accused. The party criticised the authorities, stating, “An activist is taken to court in a black mask like a criminal, but a murder accused is transported in a tinted glass vehicle.”
It may be recalled that a tragic accident in Mandrem on Friday night resulted in the death of Mariefeliz Fernandes, a resident of Junaswada, after she was allegedly hit by a speeding car.
The accused, identified as 23-year-old Deepan Rajeev Batra from Delhi, was driving an i20 (DL 4CBC 2576) when he rammed into Fernandes, who was standing by the roadside. Police investigations suggest that the accused and the victim had prior disputes, which may have led to the deliberate act of ramming the car into her.
