Herald: The kin of foreign tourists, who were killed in Goa have made serious allegations against the Goa police of covering up the murders and protecting local criminals for monetary considerations. What is the department’s say on this?
Vimal Gupta: Goa police takes each and every case of the death of a foreigner very seriously. All the procedures are carried out in addition to investigation, and the concerned Embassy is also intimated through Foreigner Regional Registration Offices (FRRO). In all those cases where a foul play is suspected, a case is registered immediately while in other cases where there is no suspicion and possibility of any foul play is ruled out, inquest proceedings are carried out to ascertain the cause of death. A case is referred to sub-divisional magistrate for closure only after foul play is ruled out. There are many checks and balances in the system to ensure in depth inquiry/investigation at required and independent level. Goa police follows scientific methods of investigation supported by forensic experts in all cases of murder. Priority is given for earlier medical examination and viscera are preserved in every case.
Herald: How does the department deal with cases where foreigners are involved in crime?
Gupta: No doubt, a fraction of visitors to Goa are involved in different forms of crimes. In the last five years, out of 333 foreign nationals, majority 281-odd are from African countries. They did not possess valid documents and even visas. They change their identity and settle elsewhere after committing offence, and are later unable to trace. They manage to get bail. Their personal sureties in the court are most of the time not known to the alleged accused. In view of all this, we have decided to take up with the judiciary not to grant bail to foreign nationals till their identity is established and documents are verified.
Herald: Is Goa unsafe for tourists, including the foreign visitors?
Gupta: No. I don’t agree. A small percentage of the total number of foreigners visiting Goa are victims of crimes. In many cases, they are known to the criminal. The whole issue is nothing but just hype and wide publicity, which is why there is a wrong impression about Goa. Our security in the State is on high alert all round the year. All safety measures like tenant verification, etc are carried out.
