Aldona MLA Adv. Carlos Alvares Ferreira has raised serious concerns over the alleged escape of accused Siddique from the custody of the Goa Crime Branch, calling for a high-level inquiry led by a retired High Court judge. He has alleged that the escape could not have occurred without the active connivance and involvement of top officials in the Crime Branch and highlighted several discrepancies in the case that demand immediate attention.
In a detailed statement, Ferreira questioned the credibility of the Crime Branch investigation and the subsequent handling of the case, pointing out the following:
- Suspicious Actions in the CCTV Footage: The video footage purportedly shows IRB PC Amit Naik opening the lockup and escorting Siddique out, with no other guards present. The confidence displayed by both parties suggests higher-level instructions or supervision.
- Selective Disclosure of Evidence: Ferreira questioned why only selective CCTV footage was revealed and demanded the release of the full footage from the police station and vehicle parking area, as mandated by Supreme Court directives.
- Lack of Clarity on Border Footages: He expressed doubts over the police narrative, urging the Director General of Police (DGP) to secure CCTV footage from border check posts to confirm whether Siddique fled alone with Naik, as claimed, or was escorted by others, as Siddique has alleged.
- Allegations of Cover-Up: Ferreira accused the DGP of making premature statements without thorough investigation, similar to past instances like the cash-for-jobs scam, where a key witness allegedly committed suicide under suspicious circumstances.
- Concerns Over SP Rahul Gupta’s Role: The MLA directly pointed fingers at SP Rahul Gupta, the head of the Crime Branch, alleging that he was handpicked by the Chief Minister to protect BJP supporters and politically connected individuals. Ferreira demanded Gupta’s immediate suspension and removal from any post in Goa to ensure an unbiased investigation.
- Suspicions of Foul Play: Highlighting PC Amit Naik’s alleged suicide attempt using phenyl, Ferreira questioned whether it was a deliberate attempt to silence him and close the case.
- Political Interference Alleged: The MLA asserted that complaints filed with the Crime Branch were compromised, and land grabbing cases were covered up to protect high-level politicians. He expressed fears that Siddique might meet a similar fate through a staged encounter.
Ferreira emphasized that entrusting another Goa Police branch with the investigation would be counterproductive, given the possibility of collusion. He urged CM Dr. Pramod Sawant, who also holds the Home Minister portfolio, to order an independent inquiry to restore public faith in the system.
“The collapse of law and order and the alleged involvement of politicians in shielding crimes have created a mockery of governance. The CM owes an explanation to the people of Goa for this failure,” Ferreira stated.
He also criticized the BJP’s defense of the police investigation, calling it an attempt to cover up evidence and protect the guilty.
