Panaji: Goa police on Tuesday refused to link Pooja Naik, wife of alleged serial killer Mahanand Naik, with the murders committed by her husband over last one-and-a-half decade.
Mahanand, 40, is investigated for raping and later
killing 16 women by strangulating them with their 'duppattas'.
While Mahanand is being investigated for his crimes, the
role of his wife had also come under scanner after locals
demanded the arrest claiming her to be co-accused in the
crimes.
State Home Minister, Ravi Naik, in a written reply tabled
on the floor of the House, today said that wife of Mahanand
was called at Ponda police station and thoroughly interrogated
in connection with the murders committed by the accused.
"Till date, neither any incriminating information was
revealed from her, nor her involvement in any of the cases
could be established," he said adding that during her
interrogation, all the Supreme Court and human rights
guidelines were strictly followed.
Clearing the doubts over her antecedents, the home
minister said that there is nothing adversely reported against
her at the police station. He said that Pooja was grooming new
talents and artistes for cultural activities.
Police also told the State Legislative Assembly that all
the murder cases booked against Mahanand are being
investigated.
Mahanand, a former autorickshaw driver, was arrested in
Ponda town for allegedly raping a girl. During the
interrogation, Mahanand confessed of killing several women by
luring them with a promise to get married.
Bureau Report
First Published: Tuesday, July 28, 2009, 18:31