SP transferred in backdrop of MLA's arrest

Panaji, Feb 22 (UNI) North Goa District Police Superintendent Niraj Kumar Thakur, who was in the thick of action in repelling the mob attack on Panjim Police Station and subsequent arrest of legislator Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate on February 19, has been transferred to New Delhi with immediate effect.

The officer, known for his professionalism, is yet to be relieved, according to Chief Secretary J P Singh here today.

Mr Thakur, however, said transfers were a part of life of any government servant and one should cope with them.

The raid on the police station attached with the state police headquarters and the vandalism and arson that followed allegedly under the leadership of Babush, forced police to lob teargas shells and resort to lathicharge.

Meanwhile, Babush, enlarged on a conditional bail yesterday by a sessions court on charges including attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy in three cases, said he would not keep quiet till the cops particularly the SP, DSP and others were brought to justice.

Denying any role of his followers in the mob attack on the station house, he alleged that the senior cops had not only assaulted him in the police station but ill-treated him as well.

He also accused IT and Finance Minister Dayanand Narvekar of having a role in the entire episode that resulted in the police excesses, including ransacking of his bungalow and vehicles on February 19 immediately after the attack on the station house.

Babush faces two cases related to attack on the police station and another case related to mayhem on Youth Congress workers during a procession on December 18 last in support of the Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat opposed by him.

The district court yesterday directed Babush and his followers to visit the police station every day and cooperate with police in the investigation of the criminal cases.

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