PANJIM: The brutal assault on Souza Lobo restaurant, where one of the critically injured is battling for life, is now being investigated by multiple teams of the Crime Branch hours after the two First Information Reports (FIRs) were transferred from Calangute police late Wednesday evening. (SEE DETAILED REPORT ON PAGE 2)
The probe has also raised questions over the conduct of a few policemen attached to the Calangute police station. Sources said links with some of those involved in the shooting and assault at the tourist-populated hub could land these cops in trouble.
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Meanwhile, Calangute PI Nolasco Raposo has been placed under suspension, as ordered by the Director-General of Police for his purported inability to handle the series of attacks on this iconic shack.
CCTV footage of the entire episode that was apparently overlooked by the previous investigators will be a part of the fresh probe. “We have sourced CCTV footage from the crime scene. These will be analyzed to understand what really happened before the firing. It will also help us identify all those involved in the crime as we are certain the footage of the aftermath of the assault and shooting incidents are also captured in the CCTV cameras,” said an officer.
It has also come to the fore that a constable could be quizzed considering that he has links with some of the suspects in the case, one of whom has allegedly fled to Karwar. Meanwhile, custody of three accused have also been secured by the Crime Branch
“We will get to the bottom of the case. Multiple teams are working on this case. Interrogation, evidence gathering, etc are a part of the ongoing probe. We are looking into all the aspects afresh and strictest action will be initiated against anyone involved in the offense,” the officer said refusing to divulge further details of the investigation.
The serious offense in the middle of the crowd largely comprising of tourists has yet again prompted the opposition parties to corner the government over the law and order failure in the State.
