North Goa SP, Old Goa PI suspended

Panaji, May 20: Goa Government has suspended North Goa district Police Superintendent D K Sawant and Old Goa Police Inspector Raju Raut for ''dereliction of duty'' in connection with the ongoing process for the June 2 elections to the state legislative assembly.

Chief Secretary J P Singh told sources today that the Home Ministry had served the suspension notice on the SP and the Director General of Police on the PI. The government had recommended some names for replacing the two suspended cops.

The suspension was done following the directives of the Central Election Commission which took serious view of the report of the election observers about the failure of the police officers in impounding the vehicle of Santa Cruz legislator (Cong) and deputy Speaker Victoria Fernandes for moving in the vehicle without permission from the election authorities on May 17.

Ms Victoria was renominated to contest from the same constituency witnessing the highest number of nine contestants including UGDP nominee and tyro Jennifer Monserrate.

UNI