New Delhi (Agency): Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant spoke out on Friday, denying any political interference in the ongoing investigation into a fatal car accident. The accident involved a Mercedes car that struck and killed three individuals near Panaji, the capital of Goa.
On Thursday, the Goa crime branch arrested Amit Palekar, the president of the Aam Aadmi Party’s Goa unit. He is accused of misrepresenting facts in the case. According to police, Palekar falsely introduced someone else as the driver to the investigating officer, in an attempt to protect the main accused, who was actually behind the wheel at the time of the accident.
Amit Palekar, however, has denied any involvement in the crime and claims that the action against him is part of “dirty politics.”
Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Sawant made it clear that he does not get involved in police investigations. “I don’t interfere in any case. The action is taken as per the law,” he said.
The controversy first began when businessman Paresh Sawardekar, who owns a supermarket chain and a real estate firm, was arrested. On August 7, he was allegedly driving a Mercedes in an intoxicated state and hit five vehicles in Banastarim village near Panaji. The accident resulted in the death of three individuals. The incident took place on the Ponda-Panaji national highway, about 15 kilometers from the state capital.
The high-profile nature of the accused has led to speculation about possible political influence affecting the investigation. However, the Chief Minister’s statement aims to quell such concerns and assure the public that law and order will be maintained without any political interference.
This car crash case has garnered considerable public attention due to the involvement of political and business figures. It raises concerns about whether the powerful can evade justice or if the legal system will hold everyone accountable, regardless of their social standing.