Goemkarponn desk
Panaji: A Goa court in its three different orders has directed the Crime Branch of the police to release a large quantity of rice and wheat that were seized during raids conducted in November.
The Crime Branch of Goa Police claimed that they had seized food grains stolen from godowns of the Civil Supply Department. However, Civil Supply Minister Ravi Naik later clarified that there was no ‘mismatch’ in their storage and supply.
The police had seized 754 rice bags and 253 bags (50 kg each) containing wheat from three places, valued at Rs 7,52,000. Three cases were filed by the police in this connection.
Civil Supply Director Gopal Parsekar said that they had sought a stock report from all 11 godowns in the state, which suggested that the records of storage and supply were consistent.
Judicial Magistrate First Class in Ponda, after hearing applicant Sachin Naik and respondents (Crime Branch and State) ordered to release the seizure on conditions laid down by it.
Naik stated that the application had been filed to release rice and wheat, perishable items.
The Crime Branch arrested five individuals, Hazrat Sayyed, Vinay Kumar Gudimani, Prakash Korishetter, Tausif Mulla and Ramkumar.
However, two accused persons — Sachin Naik and Virendra Mardholkar, were granted anticipatory bail.
