Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (SHP)
Panaji, Jan 20: Referring to the FIR registered in the Merces panch Prakash Naik death case, Congress demanded that BJP minister Mauvin Godinho immediately step down from the cabinet to ensure an impartial investigation. The reason for the same was that Godinho's brother Wilson was named in the FIR.
"We demand that Mauvin should immediately step down from the cabinet, or chief minister Pramod Sawant should sack him to ensure that the investigation in the case is impartial, and the one found responsible for the crime should be punished," Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar stated.
Further, Chodankar claimed that the BJP should fire Godinho if he refuses to step back. He believed that the BJP minister's presence will exert political pressure on the investigating officer.
"The death also indicates how the land mafia has been operating in the state under the BJP-led government's rule. A detailed investigation into this incident can help police unearth a larger conspiracy. But for that, the police should be provided with a free hand," the state Congress president said.
Police sources had alleged that Naik shot himself at his residence in Merces on Friday minutes after posting a message on WhatsApp that he was 'under tremendous pressure' from two people over a property matter. Naik had also mentioned that he was being harassed over a garden at Voilem Bhat in Merces.
The message also demanded a compensation of Rs 2 crore for his family from the accused.