Team Herald
PANJIM: “More suspects” have been identified in the death of Merces ex-sarpanch Prakash Naik by Crime Branch (CB), three days after the High Court of Bombay at Goa expressed its dissatisfaction over the progress of investigation.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Raising eyebrows further, the investigation team has claimed that “no clear trace of gun powder” has been found on the hands of the deceased – a hint that Naik’s death could be murder.
The prosecution submitted to the Court that CB has identified more suspects in the case during its ongoing investigation from February 11 to 13.
As of now, a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 306 (abetment to suicide) of the Indian Penal Code is registered against Wilson Godinho, the brother of Minister Mauvin Godinho, and Tahir. On Friday, the prosecution submitted certain aspects of its investigation during the hearing of Wilson’s anticipatory bail application.
The CB’s further submission to the Court that “no clear trace of gun power is found on the hands of Naik, is a hint that the investigation is focused on the murder angle. While details were not disclosed in the open court, sources told Herald that the fresh list of suspects identified by the CB team will be probed for murder. The Delhi forensic team’s assistance has been sought to take the probe further.
“We are investigation all the angles including murder. The samples sent to Delhi will ascertain if the gun was used by the deceased or someone else,” a senior officer said wishing anonymity. It is however not known if a fresh FIR under Section 302 (murder) has been registered or the present FIR has this section added.
Naik, a former sarpanch, died on the morning of January 17 after he allegedly shot himself using his licenced gun. His family has however been suspecting foul play in the death.
