Media channel directed to produce tape

Panaji, Mar 20 (UNI) The Goa police today directed a media channel, which had carried out a sting operation, to provide them with a copy of the tape to ascertain the channel's claim that it had recorded a police officer alleging that Home Minister Ravi Naik's son had nexus with the drug cartels.

Confirming this to mediapersons here, Director General of Police B S Brar said he had received the explanation from Deputy Superintendent of Police (Bicholim) Samba Sawant who has denied having made such allegations.

''IGP Kishan Kumar has asked the private news channel to furnish a copy of the tape for verifying the authenticity of the recording before proceeding further,'' he said.

Rubbishing allegations against him and the Home Minister by Scarlett's mother Fiona that the duo were in league with drug cartels, the DGP said the Minister and he were keen to root out the drugs menace once for all.

He said he did not find any conspiracy behind her persistent outbursts against the state on the issue of drugs.

Goa, he said, continued to be the ''safest tourist destination'' and will remain so in the future also, with strict measures being taken. ''We are keen to stamp out the drug menace and, hence, have further strengthened the anti-narcotics cell,'' he said.

Stray incidents cannot mar Goa's image. The people of the state are known for their hospitality and culture, he added.

''Exceptions can be anywhere. Fall of one leaf canot be taken as the end of the Spring,'' Mr Brar observed.

UNI BM MAZ MSJ RK1938