Reginaldo demands multi-agency probe into teen’s suspicious death

MARGAO: Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco has demanded a multi-agency probe into the suspicious death of Siddhi Naik, whose corpse washed up the Calangute beach in a semi-nude state.

“This is a difficult case. People’s sentiments are involved. The Goa Police must take the help of other specialized agencies and the best forensic and technical experts in the country, if required to solve this case. We must give justice to the family of the deceased,” Lourenco said.

Meanwhile on Monday, hundreds of people came together demanding justice for Siddhi Naik and her family and held a candle-light vigil.

ALSO READ: Is Siddhi Naik’s mysterious death a case of “honour killing”

People from the villages of Aldona, Nachinola, Moira, Bastora, along with social activists and political party representatives gathered near the Aldona Parish Centre to protest against the collapsed law and order situation in the State in the presence of family members.

Four rape incidents were reported in four-and-half months in the State.

The mother of the 19-year girl who was present at the candle-light procession said that the Goa Police, in spite of a missing complaint, did not take any action and waited for 24 hours to get into action.

“I demand justice for my child. The Goa Police has failed to act in spite of filing a complaint,” she lamented.

People present said that the police should act immediately on a missing complaint of a woman once registered at the police station and should not wait for 24 hours. Normally police wait for 24 hours to see if the person lands up at another place, as at times people go with friends and stay overnight without informing their family members.

The dead body of a 19-year-old woman was found at the Calangute beach in North Goa last week, a day after she was reported missing by her family.

The police claim that a post-mortem has revealed no indication of sexual assault or violence and the woman died due to drowning.

More than 10 persons have been questioned in the case so far, but the cops have made no progress in the investigation.

Police are checking CCTV footage of various places where possible. Many CCTV cameras were damaged due to the rains and a recent cyclone and have not been repaired.

Shobit Saksena, Superintendent of Police (North Goa) said, “We are conducting a detailed probe in the matter and have preserved viscera for forensic analysis.”

ALSO READ: Siddhi Naik’s Family Could Be Hiding Some Vital Facts

On Sunday, Siddhi’s father Sandip Naik handed over mobile messages and other details to the police. The Goa Crime Branch has joined the probe and is assisting the local police.

Hindustan Times quoting police sources said that the woman, who worked at a fast-food chain, had recovered from Covid-19 a month ago but was afraid to go back to work since her recovery. She had told her family members that she felt her health would worsen if she stepped out of her house again, sources said.

According to the cops, a bus conductor had seen her last at the Mapusa bus stand and told the police that she appeared, “disturbed” or lost.