PANJIM: Taking cognizance of a petition filed by social activist Adv Aires Rodrigues, based on an extensive report on Herald, Goa State Human Right’s Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police in connection with Saturday’s police brutality against “peaceful protesters” demanding justice for Fr Bismarque Dias.
The Commission, comprising chairperson Justice P K Misra and members A D Salkar and J A Keny, has directed the Chief Secretary and DGP to be present in person or through advocate on January 13, next year.
Rodrigues has alleged that Goa police personnel very high-handedly abused their powers, used excessive criminal force and manhandled the protesters, without provocation. He said that the peaceful protest by citizens was held demanding a free, fair and impartial probe into the mysterious death of priest-turned-social activist Fr Bismarque.
Police arrested around 105 protesters for violating Section 144 of CrPC which has been imposed in the city in view of ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
“Innocent bystanders including senior citizens and women came to be ruffled and arrested,” Rodrigues said. The petition has attached a copy of Herald’s November 22 report, along with photos of police brutality.
Rodrigues prayed that the Chief Secretary and DGP be immediately summoned and directed to explain as to how in violation of Human Rights they allowed peaceful protesters to be manhandled so inhumanly.
The protesters have been demanding the constitution of a special investigating team (SIT) to probe the death. The government has already handed the case to Crime Branch for investigation.
