Danielle McLaughlin Rape & Murder Trial (208) : The Incorrigible Goa Police Jailor, of Central Jail Colvale.
Danielle's Trial gets a NEW Permanent Judge; A NEW Court. Jailor issued "Show Cause Notice" for failing to produce accused before the Court (Yet, Yet, Yet Again).
The 208th hearing of Irish Girl Danielle McLaughlin's rape and murder trial concluded yesterday.
Just about after a month, after the Hon'ble High Court of Goa instruction to Trial Court, to finish the trial within 1 year.
While a flurry of activity happened initially, the accused Vikat Bhagat and Colvale Central Jail Jailor, back to old game.
Daniele's trial has seen several changes now so far; due to the prolong period of more than 6 Years now.This year itself, the Judge and Court hearing the trial has been changed thrice; the most immediate one, notified yesterday itself.
While a short while earlier Smt.Pooja C Kavlekar was the Judge for a short period of time; later Smt.Shabnam S Shaikh presided over the hearings of the trial and now Smt.Kshama Joshi is the new Judge of Danielle's Trial.
For the last 18 months almost, the trial of Danielle has been languishing in the Court of an Adhoc Judge; with Judges being changed every now and then; much to the anguish of the Victim and Victim's family; while bringing a lot of solace and reprieve to the accused.
It is to be noted that, Danielle's gruesome murder, and rape before that; was supposed to be fast-tracked by State, who is the petitioner.
An ad hoc judge is a temporary judge appointed for a specific case or a limited duration to assist in the proceedings of a court, especially in situations where the regular judges might be unavailable or where there is a need for expertise in a specific area of law.
The appointment of a permanent Judge after the High Court verdict, is a very welcome move, in a positive direction. While the Judiciary has moved in the right direction. Goa Police is yet to move.
Colvale Central Jail Jailor, has failed to produce the accused twice, in the last 3 hearings again. At 206th Hearing, again a Wireless message was received that accused Vikat Bhagat is sick.
Yesterday,again the accused was not produced for the 208th hearing of the trial; while no reason whatsoever was produced before the Hon'ble Judge; forcing the Judge Smt.Kshama Joshi to issue a "Show Cause Notice" to the Jailor, as in why the accused was not produced before the Court.
While the Jailor of Central Jail Colvale in the past all flimsy accuses, and the Wireless messages are received at the last moment always,on the day of hearing; this time, there was not even an "excuse". This is despite the High Court ruling on 17th July, to finish the trial in 1 Year.
Also,ironical is the fact that, bail plea by the accused due to which, the ruling of HC was issued; was based on the fact, that trial has prolonged much; and accused should be temporarily excused, due to that.
Now, Vikat Bhagat with the help of Goa Police officials at Central Jail Colvale; is doing the same thing again, prolonging the trial with one excuse or other.
On 16th August; the Police Inspector Rajesh Job (Investigation Officer) too failed to appear before the Court.There was no reason cited for it.
It's one month since HC Judgement; and neither the accused is produced regularly,nor does the Investigation Officer appears.
11 months, more left.
Hardly any business has been conducted of substance since 21st Jul 2023, in the last 3 hearings.
In a scene from the iconic and most famous Hindi movie SHOLAY, the newly appointed Jailor of the Central Jail, admits how his ways are incorrigible; and so are the ways of Prisoners. The absolutely pathetic conduct of Central Jail Colvale Jailor, rhymes perfect with it.
It is hoped that new (permanent)Judge Smt.Kshama Joshi, would take stock of delay tactics on part of Goa Police and accused; and shall do the needful in order to finish the trial within the timeline set by Hon'ble High Court.