Cop-aided escape from lockup spurs police inquiry

Panaji: Goa police have ordered a detailed inquiry into the escape of a 55-year-old resident of Tivim, the notorious criminal Suleman Mohammed Khan, also known as Siddique, from the crime branch’s custody.

Goa police are continuing to interrogate Indian Reserve Battalion constable Amit Naik, who helped the accused flee from the lockup.

Chief minister Pramod Sawant, who holds the home department portfolio, said that the inquiry has been ordered, and the crime branch would soon arrest Siddique, who had been earlier arrested by Goa police.

“Multiple teams are working round the clock under the overall supervision of DIG range to re-arrest Siddique,” DGP Alok Kumar told TOI. “I am personally monitoring and reviewing the

progress of the investigation. Any lapses will be dealt with strongly.”

DIG Varsha Sharma told TOI. “The SP of the economic offence cell has been asked to conduct a detailed inquiry into the escape of Siddique.” Sharma added, “The SP, Arshi Aadil, will submit the report and necessary action will be taken based on the findings.”

A native of Shivamogga in Karnataka, Siddique was involved in 15 cases across the country — seven in Goa, four in Hyderabad, three in Pune, and one in Delhi.

Siddique was involved in three cases being probed by Goa’s special investigation team (SIT) for land grab cases and was a proclaimed offender in two cases from North Goa.

The SIT arrested him on Nov 12 after intensive efforts. He had been absconding for four and a half years. He was formally arrested in all three cases. He was then put in the crime branch lockup.