From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
 
Panaji, May 12: Police Sub Inspector Punaji Gawas joined the league of policemen arrested for their links with drug peddlers.
 
Punaji, formerly holding key of malkhana, where drugs are stored, was arrested this evening by Crime Branch. Prior to his arrest, the department had placed him under suspension.
 
Deputy Superintendent of police (Crime Branch) Chandrakant Salgaonkar confirmed that Punaji was found to be involved in the nexus with drug peddler.
 
In past, five policemen including inspector Ashish Shirodkar are arrested after drug peddler Atala alias Yaniv Benaim was caught on spy cam boasting of his association with police.
 
He was arrested under prevention of corruption act and narcotics and psychotropic substances act for allegedly having nexus with drug peddlers.
 
Punaji’s conduct was under scanner after Atala case broke out. He was transferred from Anti narcotic cell and placed in the special branch.
 
Crime branch’s initial investigation had revealed that at least 24 kg charas was missing from malkhana.
 
Police have already arrested inspector Ashish Shirodkar, head constable Hussain Shaikh, constables Saish Pokle, Sandip Parab and Ramchandra Kankonkar.