Replace Investigating Officer in Bastora Case, Police Delaying Probe: Ferreira
Panaji: Aldona MLA Adv Carlos Alvares Ferreira has demanded the immediate replacement of the investigating officer in the Bastora assault case, alleging that the investigation is being deliberately delayed to protect the main accused, Tulshidas Shetye, a BJP office bearer from Moira who is currently absconding.
Ferreira alleged that PSI Bablo Parab, the officer currently handling the case, is “wasting time, leaking sensitive information, and possibly connected to the accused.” Addressing the media, the MLA said, “We have demanded with the DySP that PSI Bablo Parab be removed from the investigation. We suspect he is deliberately slowing down the probe and may be leaking details. There is also a possibility that he is related to the main accused. This must be verified.”
He further demanded that the Superintendent of Police obtain the call data records of PSI Parab to verify who contacted him after the incident was reported. “This is a serious matter. Only after I raised the issue were three persons arrested. But the police are still dragging their feet,” Ferreira said.
Ferreira raised concerns about political interference in the investigation, stating, “Has the BJP become a den of criminals? One of their karyakartas has allegedly assaulted a pregnant woman. Yet, the party and police remain silent. Who is shielding the accused? Who is their godfather?”
He also expressed fears of a potential cover-up. “The crime was clearly premeditated. The main accused is acting with impunity. If police fail to investigate impartially, people will lose faith in law and order. I believe two policemen may also be involved in shielding the culprits,” he added.
Ferreira held the government responsible for the deteriorating law and order situation. “Youth are unemployed, frustrated, and some are turning to criminal activities. The government has failed both the people and the youth of Goa,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Amit Patkar also slammed the ruling BJP over the incident. “Women are no longer safe in Goa. Ever since BJP came to power, crimes against women, including rapes and murders, have increased. The BJP should rename itself the Bhartiya Goonda Party,” Patkar said.
He questioned the silence of the BJP on the involvement of one of its members in the assault. “Is this the Goa we dreamed of? Just because of a dispute over parking, a woman was attacked? What action will the BJP take now?” he asked.
The Bastora assault case continues to stir political and public outrage, with increasing demands for an impartial and speedy investigation.
