From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jan 18: The family members of a NRI, who died in Goa police custody, have refused to accept his body till guilty policemen are punished.

“We will not take over the body till those involved in killing him are punished,” Cosme Fernandes, cousin of Cypriano Fernandes, who died in Panaji police custody told reporters today.

The family members said that their agitation will continue and will knock doors of every  authority till policemen who killed Cypriano are punished.

“Today it has happened to my brother tomorrow it can be yours,” Fernandes said appealing the masses  to join them in their fight for justice.

Cypriano, a seafarer was on his vacation at his home state in Goa when he was arrested by Panaji police on January 07. A woman friend of his had complained that Cypriano had threatened her with a knife at her residence in Caranzalem locality.

The family members said following his arrest Cypriano was not referred to medical test. He was admitted to Goa Medical college next day where he died while being treated.

The body postmortem has confirmed six severe injuries.

The family members have demanded that Police Inspector Sandesh Chodankar, Police Sub Inspectors Radesh Ramnathkar and Vijay Chodankar and constable Sandip Shirvaikar be suspended as they are responsible for the custodial death.

Meanwhile, North Goa Superintendent of Police Arvind Gawas today submitted a detailed report on Cypriano case to the Goa State Police Complaint Authority (GSPCA) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

GSPCA, which deals with the conduct of police, has taken suo-motto cognisance of the custodial death.

Sub Division Magistrate Shabaji Shetye is conducting inquiry into the episode while Deputy Superintendent of Police Bousette silva has also been appointed to check procedural lapses and conduct of policemen after Cypriano’s arrest.