Kin of dead man demand Valpoi cop’s suspension

Valpoi: Residents and family members of the 28-year-old Moin Shaikh, who died by suicide last week, allegedly after he was assaulted while in police custody, gathered outside the Valpoi police station for the second day, demanding the suspension of the investigating officer and others involved.

After Friday’s protest at the police station, investigating officer PSI Prathamesh Gawas was transferred to the reserve line at the North Goa police headquarters.

Demonstrators said that transferring Gawas to the reserve line was inadequate and insisted that legal action be taken. Shaikh’s family has appealed to chief minister Pramod Sawant, and health minister Vishwajit Rane — who represents the Valpoi constituency — to intervene and ensure justice.

Shaikh’s relatives told reporters that their protest would continue until there was concrete action.

SP Vishwesh Karpe said a preliminary inquiry has already been initiated and that the matter would be escalated for further action.

Meanwhile, Rane wrote to DGP Alok Kumar seeking a thorough investigation.

Shaikh was in police custody from April 25 to April 26 in connection with a case that his family alleged was falsely registered. A family member said they have submitted a complaint, narrating the sequence of events from Shaikh’s arrest to the circumstances leading to his death.