PANAJI
On the run since a week, ex-RSS Goa Chief Subhash Velingkar finally appeared before the Investigating Officer at Bicholim police station on Thursday after directions from the High Court of Bombay at Goa.
Velingkar had moved the High Court on Wednesday seeking an urgent hearing into his anticipatory bail application. When the matter came up for admission on Thursday morning, the Bench of Justice Bharat Deshpande asked him to appear at 5 pm as he assured the Court to cooperate with the investigation provided he was not arrested.
The accused in FIR number 100/2024 arrived at the police station shortly after 4 pm, entering through the back door and within 15-20 minutes, he had exited. A heavy police presence was in place as a large group of Velingkar’s supporters gathered outside the police station. Velingkar refused to speak to the media and instead waved to his supporters.
Earlier during the hearing in the High Court, Senior Counsel for the applicant Saresh Lotlikar informed the Bench that Velingkar is ready and willing to cooperate with the Investigating Agency and his only apprehension is that once he joins the investigation, he should not be arrested.
Public Prosecutor for the State S G Bhobe expressed uncertainty regarding the arrest citing the ongoing investigation. He also highlighted the need for the Investigating Agency to adhere to the provisions under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) including sub-sections (3) to (6).
Lotlikar confirmed that Velingkar would appear at the Bicholim PS for the investigation on Thursday at 5 pm. The Court ordered the accused to honour his commitment and added that he shall also attend the police station thereafter, as and when called by the Investigating Agency to comply with the notice issued under Section 35(3) of the BNSS.
Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Advocate Amit Palekar, appearing for one of the interveners, raised concerns over the handling of a case citing non-compliance with police orders.
He questioned whether the failure of the police to take necessary steps was due to oversight or deliberate lapses.
"The Investigating Officer should have moved the court for his arrest after he failed to appear for questioning," he said.
Bicholim police issued fresh notice to Velingkar to appear on Friday (today) morning for questioning.
