Team Herald
PANJIM: Two days after Police Inspector Nolasco Raposo was suspended for mishandling the probe in Souza Lobo restaurant assault case, two police constables from Calangute police station faced the same consequence on Saturday as they are suspected to be involved in this case, a senior Police officer told Herald.
The Crime Branch is currently investigating the case in which five persons have been arrested so far. However the main accused is still at large even as search teams have been sent to Nashik and Karwar.
“It is not a simple matter. Last week’s incident is just a tip of the ice-berg. The emergence of goons, extortion and land grabbing like incidents have flourished, particularly in the coastal belt over the past many years. Calangute firing is one such incident. Crime Branch is conducting an in-depth investigation to unearth more such cases in Goa,” the source said.
The investigators are also trying to ascertain First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against some of the accused and victims in the present case, in states like Delhi and Karnataka. Goa Police investigation team may seek assistance of their counterparts in these two states for the probe.
“We need to ascertain every aspect linked directly or indirectly with this case. The case is not centered in Goa only but other States too. Role of some of the policemen is also being probed. At the moment, teams have been sent to different locations to trace whereabouts of those absconding and arrest the other accused in the case. Meanwhile, interrogation of those already in police custody is underway,” he said.
Confirming the development, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Porvorim area Edwin Colcaco said, “The suspension orders have been issued from the Police Headquarters and has been received at Calangute police station. However, I am yet to receive my personal copy.”
