Team Herald
PANJIM: As the investigation into two complaints of mob attack during a drug raid at Arambol last weekend has begun, a few attackers and some drug peddlers have been identified in a deposition made by an officer.
Police sources told Herald that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) team, that led the drug raid at a shack, has allegedly named a few locals and suspected drug peddlers in its deposition during the investigation.
“It was a huge mob that attacked the NCB and the Goa Police team during the raid at the shack on Saturday. Many could not be identified but some have been named in a statement to the local police. We expect the others can be identified through CCTV footage,” said an official seeking anonymity. “Among those named in the deposition are suspected drug peddlers.”
NCB had laid a trap at the shack on the beach, which is a tourist hot-spot, following a tip-off about trafficking of drugs by a gang from Himachal Pradesh. The team was assisted by Mapusa police personnel including lady staff. After a verbal duel between the law enforcing team – in civil clothes – and the staff at the shack, a mob of around 50 people gathered and assaulted the NCB officer.
NCB Chief in Goa Jitendra Ranjan had then fired gunshots in the air to disperse the mob even as Pernem and Anjuna police rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control.
In a cross complaint filed by the owner of ‘Om Star Shack’, he alleged the NCB team of assaulting the locals. Locals also alleged that the raiding team in civil clothes had not identified themselves. NCB has, however, countered the allegation stating the sleuths had given their identity to the concerned at the time of conducting the raid but the opposite party retaliated by first indulging in an argument followed by a brawl.
When contacted the Director General of Police Muktesh Chander, said the police have registered criminal offences and investigation is underway. S
