Team Herald
MARGAO: Even as two women constables were suspended and arrested for allegedly abetting the suicide of constable Prathamesh Gawade, the legal community in Margao has expressed serious concerns over the lack of action against Lady Police Sub Inspector (LPSI) Anoushka Parab, whom the late advocate, Jayant Prabhu, named in his suicide note. The Maina-Curtorim police registered an offence against Parab two-and-a-half months ago, but no further action has been taken.
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Adv Jayant Prabhu died by suicide on August 29. The legal fraternity has raised serious questions, as to who authorised the LPSI to visit Prabhu’s residence late at night and if a senior police officer has conducted an inquiry to establish accountability.
Adv Ashish Prabhu, son of the deceased, confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with statements from family members recorded. He urged the Crime Branch to expedite the investigation to provide justice to his family.
The investigation into the 71-year-old advocate’s death was transferred to the Crime Branch on September 6, following an order from Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar. Maina-Curtorim Police had initially registered an FIR against LPSI Parab, accusing her of harassment that allegedly led to Prabhu’s suicide.
Adv Prabhu’s family alleged that on August 28, LPSI Parab and a team of police visited their Davorlim residence at 10.15 pm, reportedly searching for Prabhu’s elder son, Pritish. Despite being informed that Pritish was receiving treatment, the LPSI allegedly insisted on searching the premises, waved her pistol and used threatening language, which the family says caused significant distress. The following morning, Prabhu took his own life.
The legal fraternity in Margao had earlier staged a protest, demanding an FIR against LPSI Parab. After prolonged discussions with Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Santosh Dessai, the FIR was finally registered under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), for abetment to suicide. Prabhu’s family then accepted his body for cremation, which was attended by a large group of advocates and locals.
The police visit to Prabhu’s home was reportedly linked to a case against his son, Adv Pritish Prabhu, who was accused of sexual harassment by a woman lawyer between August 20 and 24. The case against Pritish was registered under Sections 75(2)(3), 78(2), 79, and 329(4) of the BNS, and investigations are ongoing.
