There is prima facie evidence of police excesses: Digambar
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 16
A week after the death of Cipriano Fernandes, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has admitted that there is “prima facie” evidence that the Panjim police had committed excesses. Speaking to Herald on Sunday morning, the chief minister said “I am strongly opposed to any form of violence. Even criminals shouldn’t be tortured.”
Asked specifically if he believed Cipriano had died in police custody, Kamat said “There is a magisterial inquiry and another one by a very competent officer. The facts of the case will emerge, but my initial observation is that he was beaten up.”
Kamat also referred to Herald’s investigation in the Cipriano case. “The reports have helped since the case has been recounted well. I’m studying them.”
This is the first reaction from anyone in the government and coming from the chief minister, this assumes serious significance. Both the inquiries together will encompass procedural lapses as well as hard facts of the case.
With the chief minister’s observation, the following issues are likely to get focus. Why did the police act in such undue haste to go in a private jeep to arrest Cipriano? Why was he not medically examined even though he wanted to? On January 7, did the police inspector of Panjim ask constable Sandip Shirvaikar to send Cipriano for examination when he realised that he would succumb to his injuries? Did Shirvaikar, after completing the beating job, go off to sleep instead of taking Cipriano for a medical examination?
As this unfolds, the chief minister’s initial admission could be the first baby step towards Justice for Cipriano.
Meanwhile, a citizen cum Right to Information (RTI) activist Jowett D’Souza has filed a police complaint against Police Inspector Sandesh Chodankar, Police Sub Inspector Vijay Chodankar and Sandip for torturing and killing Cipriano in police custody. The complaint, asking for an offence to be registered against the trio, has been filed with the Agassaim police station..
Police Inspector Vishwesh Karpe said that they will forward the complaint to Deputy Superintendent of Police Deu Benaulikar for further action.
“We cannot entertain the case as enquiry in this matter is already been conducted by Dy SP Bossuet D’Silva,” he said.
There is prima facie evidence of police excesses: Digambar
PANJIM, JAN 16 A week after the death of Cipriano Fernandes, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has admitted that there is "prima facie" evidence that the Panjim police had committed excesses. Speaking to Herald on Sunday morning, the chief minister said "I am strongly opposed to any form of violence. Even criminals shouldn't be tortured."
