NT Reporter
Valpoi
Tension prevailed outside the Valpoi police station for the second consecutive day on Saturday as family members, relatives
and protestors intensified their agitation, demanding strict departmental action against police personnel allegedly involved in the custodial assault of 28-year-old Moin Shaikh.
The protest gained momentum after CCTV footage was shown on Saturday afternoon by Police Inspector Videsh Shirodkar in the presence of DySP Vishwesh Karpe. The footage reportedly showed Police Sub-Inspector Prathamesh Gawas, an assistant sub-inspector and four police constables along with Shaikh in custody following his arrest on the evening of April 25.
Family members said Shaikh had been arrested after a complaint was filed by the family of a minor girl, alleged to be his girlfriend. They said that instead of following due procedure, the police assaulted him in custody.
Following the disclosure of the footage, protestors stepped up their demands, calling for the immediate suspension of all officials involved and strict legal action. The situation turned tense as demonstrators questioned Karpe in the presence of the media.
He said the department would take necessary legal action but did not provide further details.
Aggrieved family members raised allegations of custodial assault and manipulation of CCTV coverage within the police premises.
The family claimed
that despite having male lock up, Shaikh was allegedly taken into female lock-up and later moved to an area not covered by CCTV cameras, where he was reportedly assaulted.
“There are clear gaps in the surveillance system. Such blind spots are being misused to manhandle and assault accused persons without accountability,” alleged one of the protestors.
Valpoi MLA Vishwajit Rane has written to
DGP Alok Kumar seeking a reinvestigation into Shaikh’s death, who allegedly died by hanging after interrogation at the Valpoi police station.
“We want justice for Shaikh. He was beaten inside the police station. The accused officers must be suspended immediately pending inquiry. Proper investigation procedures were not followed, and higher officials are not answering our questions,” a family member said, adding that protests would intensify if action is not taken.
Apart from the transfer of the PSI to the reserve line, police have not announced any immediate suspensions. Sources said internal proceedings may be initiated based on the findings. The situation in Valpoi remains tense, with a strong police presence deployed to maintain law and order.
