Family refuses to accept custodial death victim''s body

Panaji, Jan 17 (PTI) The family members of a NRI, whodied in Goa police custody early this month, have refused toaccept his body till guilty policemen are punished.

"We will not take the body till those involved in killinghim are punished," Cosme Fernandes, cousin of CyprianoFernandes, who died in Panaji police custody, told reportershere today.

The family members said that their agitation willcontinue and they will knock doors of every authority tillpolicemen who killed Cypriano are punished.

"Today it has happened to my brother tomorrow it can beyours," Fernandes said appealing the masses to join them intheir fight for justice.

Cypriano, a seafarer was on vacation at his home state inGoa when he was arrested by Panaji police on January 7. Awoman friend of his had complained that Cypriano hadthreatened her with a knife at her residence in Caranzalemlocality.

The family members said following his arrest Cypriano wasnot referred to medical test. He was admitted to Goa Medicalcollege next day where he died during treatment.

The body postmortem has confirmed six severe injuries.Thefamily members have demanded that Police Inspector SandeshChodankar, Police Sub Inspectors Radesh Ramnathkar and VijayChodankar and constable Sandip Shirvaikar be suspended as theyare responsible for the custodial death.

Meanwhile, North Goa Superintendent of Police ArvindGawas today submitted a detailed report on Cypriano case tothe Goa State Police Complaint Authority (GSPCA) and theNational Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

GSPCA, which deals with the conduct of police, has takensuo-motto cognisance of the custodial death. The sub divisionMagistrate Shabaji Shetye is conducting inquiry into theepisode while Deputy Superintendent of Police Bousette Silvahas also been appointed to check procedural lapses and conductof policemen after Cypriano''s arrest.