PANAJI: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has strongly questioned the Goa government over the alleged delay in arresting the main accused in the fake government appointment letter racket involving the post of Additional Excise Commissioner. The party has demanded answers from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and questioned the progress of the police investigation, pointing out that nearly a month has passed since the case was registered, yet the accused, Ajit Sankhwalkar, remains to be arrested.
Addressing a press conference outside the Panaji Police Station, AAP Goa President Valmiki Naik questioned why the police had failed to trace and apprehend Sankhwalkar despite the passage of considerable time. He said the government must explain what concrete steps have been taken to bring the accused to justice and ensure that the investigation reaches its logical conclusion.
Naik also questioned Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s response to the matter, highlighting that the Chief Minister holds charge of both the Home and Excise departments. He sought clarity on the action taken by the government and asked why there had been no breakthrough in arresting the alleged mastermind of the racket.
Seeking transparency in the investigation, Naik has filed a Right to Information (RTI) application with the police department. Through the application, he has sought details of the cases registered in connection with the alleged racket, copies of the FIRs, the legal provisions invoked and details of the investigative action taken since the complaint was lodged.
The AAP leader also raised serious questions regarding the authenticity of the purported government appointment letter issued in the name of Manoj Talekar. The document allegedly carried the signature of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. Naik questioned whether the police had sent the document for forensic examination to establish its authenticity and verify the signature appearing on it.
Another significant issue highlighted by AAP concerned photographs reportedly showing the alleged accused, Ajit Sankhwalkar, with a senior police officer. Naik questioned whether the investigating authorities had examined these photographs, verified their authenticity and investigated the circumstances surrounding the alleged association.
AAP has demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged fake appointment racket, including the identification of all individuals who may have been involved in preparing, circulating or facilitating the purported appointment document. The party has also called upon the police to trace and arrest the accused without further delay.
Naik maintained that the public deserves clear answers on a matter involving an alleged fake government appointment document carrying the Chief Minister’s signature. AAP said it would continue to question the government and pursue the matter until the investigation establishes accountability and those responsible are brought to justice
