Govt to challenge Mahanand acquittals

Govt to challenge Mahanand acquittals
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, DEC 11
The frequent acquittals granted to alleged serial killer Mahanand Naik would be challenged in the higher courts by the Home Ministry.
Home Minister Ravi Naik told reporters that Directorate of Prosecution (DoP) has been asked to examine all the acquittals, which were granted giving benefit of doubt to the killer.
“In all the cases, courts have given benefit of doubt for the accused. DoP is analysing the judgments of the lower court, which will help us in filing further chargesheets,” the home minister said adding that the government will wait for all the cases filed against Mahanand to get to their logical conclusion before deciding on further action.
Mahanand, the alleged dupatta killer arrested last year, has been charged of killing 18 women and he has already been acquitted in seven murders by Sessions Court, Panjim. The Court in its judgements had given benefit of doubts to the serial killer.
Meanwhile, when asked Naik said that the State police have not yet wound up the search for Joe Boy, an accused alleged to be the brain behind the threat to Naik’s family.
“Police team led by Superintendent of Police (North) Arvind Gawas is still trying to trace Joe Boy,” he said.