(Not Gentle)Men of Goa Police fail to produce Vikat Bhagat in Court for 5th consecutive time.
Senior Irish and British diplomats had met CM Goa Sawant on 6th April 2023, regarding speeding Danielle McLaughlin's trial.
Mr.Alan Gemmell, British Deputy High Commissioner and Ms.Anita Kelly, Consul General of Ireland for Western India, met Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant on 6th of April to urge for a quick conclusion for the Danielle McLaughlin’s rape and murder trial, which has been running for now 6 years.
Again, on yesterday's hearing, which was the 191st, Goa Police, could not present the accused in the courts.
Accused Vikat Bhagat was last produced by Goa Police in the court on 27th February 2023.
Since then, 5 Hearings of the trial has happened, including yesterday's at the Hon'ble Margao District and Sessions Court, and Goa Police and Goa Government has not been able to produce the accused in the court.
Except for one occasion, when neither the accused nor it's lawyers turned up for hearing on 5th April 2023, on the rest of the 4 occasions, the excuses given by the Jailor of the Colvale Central Jail is that either the "accused did not turn up on time at the gates for transportation" or "lack of police escort".
The least which could have been expected after the 6th April 2023 meeting, was that Goa Police and Government of Goa, would show some "respect" and "consideration" to the senior diplomats from the countries, from which thousands of tourists come to India, every year.
But, alas, there was none. The status quo of Goa Police officials remains the same. The apathy of Government of Goa continues.
It would not be far fetched to say by the recent incidents that IG of Goa Police, Omvir Singh and SDPO Mapusa, Jivba Dalvi lack both the intent and conviction to ensure a fair trial and let justice prevail.
There was never ever an iota of sensitivity though, on part of these men(no gentlemen, but of course).
The tales of 2 BJP led governments in India : UP Police, which acts like Judge + Jury + Executioner; and then Goa Police, which is so besotted with the love of a brutal rape and murder accused, that on every hearing, they invent, flimsy and laughable excuse to not produce the accused in the court.
Under such scenarios the diplomats of both countries should examine whether it is wise for the tourists of their countries to visit India?
