PANJIM: Goa Police is conducting an extensive search to trace the remains of the body of Saleli resident Shanu Gaonkar that was supposedly dumped at Anmod Ghat after he was allegedly killed by Vishwajit Krishnarao Rane in 2006.
A senior Police Officer said that for the last four days almost 15 police personnel have been deployed to trace the remains at the site where the whistleblower Pandurang Arthalkar, a former driver of Rane, said the body had been dumped.
Police also said that the force is seeking the help of locals from Collem as well as Anmod village. “Till now we have not found anything despite an extensive search,” the officer said.
He added that Arthalkar keeps changing his statements which are contradictory to his earlier statements and the statement made in the video which was circulated on social media.
Shanu Gaonkar, who was working as a labourer with PWD, went missing in December 2006 from Saleli a year after the violence of December 2005 in which Prithviraj Rane died in a mob attack. A missing case was registered at Valpoi Police Station whereas the case was later closed as there were no clues.
However, the case has been reopened by Goa Police following allegations made against Saleli landlord and BJP’s Poriem constituency candidate V K Rane that he eliminated Shanu in revenge for his elder brother’s death.
Police have so far recorded the statement of over 20 people who are linked to the case. Rane is yet to be summoned by the Police whereas Prashant Desai, son of former minister and Valpoi MLA Bandu Desai, has been questioned and his statement recorded. Prashant owns a bar in which the murder is alleged to have taken place.
“We will summon Rane once we find any definite evidence against him as alleged by his former driver,” Police said.
Rane speaking to reporters at his residence said he is ready to depose before the Police at any time. “I will fully co-operate with the Police. As and when I am required by the Police I will depose,” Rane said.
He said the entire episode is a conspiracy created by his former driver to extort money from him. He rubbished all the allegations against him and said he has no role in eliminating Gaonkar.
