Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (mb)
from special correspondent

Panaji, Dec 21: Panaji subdivisional magistrate (SDM) Sabaji Shetye on Thursday assured that the magisterial inquiry being conducted by him into the custodial death of Bogmalo’s Francis Xavier D’Cruz would be completed in a week.

The SDM assured the delegation of 'Utt Goenkara' (Goans, Arise) led by spokesman Adv. Aires Rodrigues that he would however ascertain within 24 hours whether there was any lapse on the part of the police in leaving the body of the late Cruz at the trauma ward of Goa medical College unaccompanied.

Adv. Rodrigues told the SDM that since D'Cruz was picked up by the Vasco Police from the Bogmalo Beach Resort on December 1, 2007. He was later taken to the Institute of Psychiatry & Human Behaviour (IPHB) at Bambolim and finally he landed up at the trauma ward of GMC in a state of coma. He added that the police had to remain by his side while he was in police custody.

Earlier the delegation, which included the grieving family and friends of D’Cruz, met IGP Kishan Kumar and demanded action against the erring police officials.

Adv. Aires Rodrigues told the IGP that 'Utt Goenkara' would not rest till the killers of Francis Xavier D’Cruz are brought to book.

Kumar assured the delegation that action would be initiated as soon as he receives the findings of the report from the Panaji Sub Divisonal Magistrate who is conducting the inquiry into the cause and circumstances leading to the custodial death of the Francis D’Cruz.