PANJIM: Seeking justice for the victims of the horrific Banastarim accident, which snuffed out three innocent lives including two locals from Divar on August 6, the islanders organised a candlelight march at Gandhi Circle, Old Goa, on Tuesday and demanded that the investigations be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Cumbharjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai demanded that the investigations be handed over to the Crime Branch Police alleging that the Mardol police were incompetent in solving the case.
He said that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has been wrongly briefed by the police and therefore the CM is under the impression that the investigation into the horrific Banastarim accident is on the right track.
He also announced that he will meet the chief minister along with a delegation of villagers on Wednesday.
The islanders holding candles demanded justice to families of those killed and those who suffered injuries in the accident.
Samil Volvoikar said that police failed to conduct proper investigation when there were allegations that the vehicle was driven by a woman. Suspecting pressure from higher-ups due to involvement of the influential family, the villagers are unable to seek an appointment with the chief minister, he said.
Volvoikar said that the police also failed to fulfil their assurance to the villagers that they will bring the vehicle owner to the police station for investigation.
Activist Rama Kankonkar, villager Chillaya Sawant, North Goa ZP Adhyaksh Siddesh Naik, Tara Kerkar and others criticised the shoddy investigations and vowed that they will fight till justice is given to the victims.
Earlier the villagers and others holding placards, held a candlelight march and shouted slogans “We want justice”.
