Panaji, Feb 3 (IANS): Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar should divest himself of the home portfolio, the Nationalist Congress Party said, after a local court directed the police to file an FIR against him in a case involving the death of a prison inmate.

The prisoner, Mahadev Gaonkar, who was lodged in the Aguada Central Jail, died of food poisoning May 31 last year.

The court's direction followed a private complaint by activist Kashinath Shetye, who prayed for a First Information Report against Parrikar (as home minister) and other officials as being responsible for the death of Gaonkar.

"How can the police conduct a fair probe against the home minister, who they have to report to," NCP vice president Trajano D'Mello said, demanding that Parrikar divest himself of the home portfolio, and allow a cabinet colleague to take charge until the probe is completed.

The court has directed the police inspector of Calangute police station to register an FIR under Sections 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), 270 (malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), 271 (disobedience to quarantine rule), 304A (causing death by negligence), 120 B (punishment of criminal conspiracy) and 34 (criminal acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code.

The court also asked the police to file a detailed report in three days.

Shetye, the petitioner, had moved the trial court after the Calangute police, in whose jurisdiction the Aguada prison is located, had refused to file the FIR.