PANAJI
A “hardened criminal” Siddiqui alias Suleman Khan, who was arrested over a month ago in separate cases of land grabbing, escaped from the Crime Branch lock-up in Ribandar around 2:30 am on Friday. Siddiqui had been absconding for four-and-half years before his arrest in these cases, only to abscond with the help of an insider.
The escape, which has left the police red-faced, was allegedly facilitated by IRB Constable Amit Naik. Both are now absconding.
Details reveal that Siddiqui was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) (Land Grab) in a land fraud case registered at the Mapusa police station on November 14. He was re-arrested 12 days later in another property fraud case registered at the Valpoi PS and this marked his third arrest in recent months.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Varsha Sharma, who rushed to the CB office after the incident, told reporters that strict criminal and disciplinary action would be taken against all those responsible for the serious offense.
An FIR was also registered against Siddiqui and Naik at the Old Goa police station, and the process to suspend Naik is underway. “A special team has been formed to trace and apprehend the accused,” Sharma said.
Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch) Rahul Gupta stated that Naik, who was on guard duty, unlocked the lock-up and allowed Siddiqui to escape. The two fled on Naik’s Yamaha R15 motorcycle.
“All efforts are being made to trace the accused,” Gupta said adding, “Entire department is coordinating, including with neighbouring police. Public areas have been put on high alert.”
An internal inquiry into the incident is also underway, and the report will be submitted to senior officials for suitable disciplinary action.
Responding to Congress leader Girish Chodankar’s allegations of “preferential VIP treatment” to Khan, Gupta dismissed it as baseless but assured that a detailed inquiry into the lock-up’s administration would be conducted.
“Allegations of preferential treatment to accused Suleman are baseless and false. A detailed inquiry will nonetheless be conducted by senior officials to look into the administration of lock up and custody of the accused in CB,” the SP said.
Khan, with an extensive criminal record, has been described as a “hardened criminal” after his arrest in Hubli. This arrest followed a three-month-long investigation by the SIT that tracked his movements as Khan frequently changed his appearance, vehicle, mobile phone, SIM cards and locations to evade arrest.
Suleman also faces charges of murder.
“He was wanted in three cases of land grab and was a proclaimed offender in two cases in North Goa. He was formally arrested in all three cases during 30 days and was in police custody in CB lock up,” Gupta added.
Meanwhile, the team from North Goa police reached the Old Hubbali police station and interrogated the accused late night. SP North Akshat Kaushal said they are working closely with Hubbali police and the accused is being brought to Goa.
