Panaji: Opposition benches in Goa Assembly
today alleged that police helped Israeli drug lord Yaniv
Benaim alias Atala procure bail and said they have evidence to
prove it.
Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar, while pointing out
to the written reply on the floor of the House, said that
Prakash Maitri, who stood as witness for Atala, was actually a
stock police witness.
"I have preliminary evidence to prove that Deputy
Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch) had arranged for the
witness to Atala," Parrikar said, adding that the Israeli drug
lord has jumped the bail and crossed the border when he was
released.
The discussion took place a day after State Tourism
minister Nilkant Halarnkar and former Tourism Minister Pacheco
had expressed their concern over Rohan Sippy`s `Dum Maro Dum`
which reportedly highlights drug trade in Goa.
Parrikar further alleged that Crime Branch was not
serious in investigating the drug nexus, which is evident from
the fact that it even defaulted on the assurance given to the
High Court.
"The government had told the High Court that they will
appoint an IPS officer as investigation officer to probe this
case. But later they withdrew their intention," he said.
"This is a clear nexus between police and drug mafia,"
the former Chief Minister alleged.
Intervening in the discussion, Speaker Pratapsingh Rane
sought to know whether Home Ministry will inquire into the
witness or not.
Defending the officers, State Home Minister Ravi Naik
said that police have no role to play on deciding the surety.
"Its for the court to accept or reject the surety," he
claimed.
The Opposition benches, however stuck to their allegation
pointing out that the witness is a stock witness for the
police.
"Police should call the witness and inquire how he
knows Atala," Parrikar said.
PTI
