Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a shocking incident, proclaimed Offender Siddique Khan, accused in several land grab cases, escaped from Crime Branch Custody this morning, aided by a police constable, thus leaving the department red-faced.
He was wanted in three cases investigated by the SIT and had been declared a Proclaimed Offender in two North Goa cases.
Around 2:30 in the morning, IRBn Police Constable Amit Naik (PC 313515), who was on guard duty, unlocked Khan’s cell while he was in police custody at the Crime Branch lockup and took off with the accused on his Yamaha R15 motorcycle. In light of this significant security violation, a formal complaint is being filed at the Old Goa Police Station.
To find and capture the two, the Goa Police have initiated a vigorous operation in cooperation with other state police units. Senior officials have promised that every effort is being made to bring them to justice as soon as possible.
IRBn PC Amit Naik is being disciplined and a thorough report on the incident is being prepared. Suleman Khan’s alleged preferential treatment has been rejected as unfounded. To rectify any procedural shortcomings, senior officials have mandated a thorough investigation into the administration and management of the Crime Branch jail.
Serious questions concerning internal security procedures have been raised by the occurrence, and a comprehensive probe is anticipated to come next.
After more than four years on the run, Suleman Khan was apprehended by the Crime Branch on November 12, 2024. He was designated a Proclaimed Offender in two cases in North Goa and wanted in three cases under investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for land grabbing.
On the other hand, it is said that IRBn Police Constable Amit Naik, who was on guard duty, unlocked the custody room and took Khan on a Yamaha R15 motorcycle on December 13, 2024, at approximately 2:30 AM.
The Goa Police, working with surrounding states, have initiated a large manhunt after the constable was the subject of a formal complaint filed at the Old Goa Police Station.
The Goa Police have dismissed allegations of preferential treatment as baseless but confirmed that a detailed inquiry into the management of the Crime Branch lockup is underway. Senior officials have assured that stringent disciplinary action will be taken against those found responsible.
This incident has sparked widespread outrage and put the Goa Police under intense scrutiny for lapses in their custody protocols. Political leaders and the public alike are demanding swift action and accountability to restore trust in the state’s law enforcement.
