Goa Land-Seize Accused Escapes Crime Department Custody, Triggers Political Firestorm – All You Want To Know

In a dramatic incident that has uncovered critical safety lapses, Siddiqui alias Suleman Khan, a 55-year-old accused in a number of land-grabbing circumstances, escaped from the custody of the Goa Crime Department on December 13, 2024. The incident happened on the Ribandar lock-up close to Panaji, elevating questions concerning the efficacy of legislation enforcement protocols.

Khan, who had evaded arrest for over 4 years, was apprehended final month after being linked to a number of high-profile land-grabbing circumstances. Nonetheless, his detention ended abruptly when Amit Naik, a constable from the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), allegedly facilitated his escape. Superintendent of Police (Crime Department) Rahul Gupta revealed that Naik unlocked the lock-up, enabling Khan to flee on a motorbike. Naik himself surrendered to the police in Hubbali, Karnataka, two days after the escape. He has since been dismissed from service, whereas Khan stays at massive.

Allegations and Controversy

The escape has not solely revealed obtrusive safety flaws however has additionally triggered a political and media frenzy. The Ribandar lock-up, the place Khan was being held, is reportedly not approved to detain undertrials, pointing to procedural negligence. This has led to extreme criticism of the Crime Department’s dealing with of delicate circumstances.

Additional complicating the matter, a video surfaced on-line that includes Khan. Within the video, he alleged that his escape was orchestrated with the assistance of Crime Department officers. He additionally implicated an area Member of the Legislative Meeting (MLA) and a senior police officer in his ordeal. Khan claimed that he was escorted out of Goa by two police groups and expressed his willingness to give up if the investigation was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Political Backlash

The incident has turn out to be a political flashpoint, with opposition events seizing the chance to focus on the BJP-led authorities in Goa. The Congress and the Aam Aadmi Get together (AAP) have demanded Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s resignation. Opposition leaders have criticized Sawant, who additionally holds the Residence portfolio, for failing to make sure the essential functioning of the state’s legislation enforcement companies.

The discharge of a land seize accused from the custody of the Crime Department exposes the failure of @BJP4Goa in upholding justice. Is that this the brand new face of governance the place criminals stroll free? Goa’s agricultural, forest, paddy, NDZ lands are below risk below this most corrupt… pic.twitter.com/yqcwwiXSYU
— Amit Patkar (@amitspatkar) December 13, 2024

A joint delegation of opposition leaders met with the Director Basic of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar, demanding accountability and quick motion. The delegation sought the suspension of SP Rahul Gupta, a full inquiry into the incident, and the discharge of CCTV footage from the Ribandar lock-up. Additionally they alleged that systemic corruption throughout the police power might have performed a task in Khan’s escape.

Authorities’s Response

Chief Minister Sawant has dismissed the allegations made by Khan in his video as an makes an attempt to deflect consideration from his crimes. He emphasised that the federal government wouldn’t act on the claims of an absconding accused with out substantial proof. DGP Alok Kumar acknowledged that investigations are ongoing and that no different police officers, aside from Constable Naik, have been implicated to this point.

Goa Police is now dealing with mounting stress to deal with the allegations and restore public belief.