PANJIM: The girlfriend of Cypriano Fernandes, Ms Georgina Nunes, from Caranzalem deposing before the JMFC, Panjim, Ms Shabnam Shaikh, stated that Cypriano was manhandled, while in the Bolero jeep transporting him and her, along with police personnel to Panjim police station.
She said that when the vehicle reached the KTC bus stand in Panjim, a head-constable started pulling at the hair of Cypriano, who was crying out in pain. She also informed that Ryan, who was driving warned her not to turn around and look at what was happening behind her, as she was seated besides the driver (Ryan) in the front of the jeep and Cypriano was seated behind her along with the police.
She deposed that Cypriano could not take the beating any more and even tried to reach the brakes from the back of the vehicle so as to halt it; however, Ryan kept pushing his led back. She said that although Cypriano stopped making noise, she could hear commotion in the back of the vehicle.
She said upon reaching the Panjim town police station, Ryan along with other constables pulled Cypriano from the jeep and she notices that Cypriano’s mouth was closed and that he was unconscious. "Then they dragged him to the room next to the police inspector, Mr Sandesh Chodankar’s cabin." She said she did not know how Cypriano became unconscious.
She then deposed that that Cypriano was beaten by some 6 to 7 policemen, some of whom were in civilian clothes, and that the beating went on for about 10 minutes.
She said, "I could hear the sound of the assault but I could not see him as they had encircled him." She could also not ascertain if Cypriano was conscious during the beating.
She further deposed that on January 8, she was called to the police station at around 5 p.m. and told to be seated on her scooter as head constable, Sandeep Shirvoikar wanted to talk to her. She deposed that on questioning Shirvoikar, as to where Cypriano was, she was told that he was drunk and had suffered an attack of fits and was admitted in the GMC at Bambolim and that he was discharged. When she asked who released him, Shirvoikar said that Cypriano himself had signed the bond papers.
She said that on Januray 9, Shirvoikar called her many times; however, she did not take his calls. Later she called him and was informed that Cypriano had expired at around 4 a.m. in the hospital. She said she was stunned and shocked to hear of Cypriano’s death, she was later called to the police station to record her statement.
In her statement to the JMFC, she said that Cypriano had no health problems and even denied having knowledge about his going to the IPHB. She refused to endorse the view that Cypriano died of natural causes, but said that according to her "Cypriano died due to police assault on the head and added that there was record of his arrest by the police."
She also deposed saying that the head constable approached her after she gave her statement to the SDM, Tiswadi, Ms Shabaji Shetye, and pressurised her to change her statement.
"Manhandling" is to light a word used in the Death of Cipriano. The Sailor was tortured by the men in Khaki and they deserve no better treatment then what they rendered to a helpless victim in their illegal custody. Now that the female Georgina has given her statement to the JMFC which is clear proof and evidence of the crime committed and also the measures used to pressure the witness to change her statement so as to sabotage the case, can we have a clear verdict of " GUILTY" on the men in Khaki and see a sentence ASAP ?
ReplyDeleteGEORGINA should be put behind bars too. The who scene began with her calling the cops. Now, she is trying to protect herself.
ReplyDeleteCan Atmaram Deshpande give the public as to what happened to this case? Why is he silent on this. Why are those responsible still not dismissed and arrested. Where is Arvind Gawas? sleeping in his den only making money under the table given to him by Sandesh Chodankar and his gang?
ReplyDeleteWill justice to the soul of Cypriano be fair, moral and impartial? The answer is NO! This case will be wandering as usual from post to post and no action will be taken against the culprits. As days goes by I am sure the whole thing will be shelved in the cupboard with the remarks “CASE CLOSED FOR WANT OF WITNESS” The other day I saw the newly released movie “No one killed Jessica” the unsolved case of Delhi bar girl being killed by the son of a politician for refusing him to entertain him outside the bar opening hours for want of a drink and how the witnesses were brought and silenced by the politicians with power and money and the case was closed. It was only through the media and the whole of Delhi and India who went on a candle light vigil at the Gateway of India so that Jessica could get justice and finally the Government had to wake up to give justice to this poor soul. This is a very true story and an inspirational one. Can we all get together for this good cause and march a candle light vigil to bring justice to the soul of Cyprian. I am sure the media will never take up our cause. This initiative and awareness should be firstly start by the very same village people, where Cypriano belongs and then spread the word about it to the neighbouring villages also. This is the only way, we can pressurize the Government in taking the right decision. Otherwise you can give the same title of “NO ONE KILLED CYPRIANO”. Is there anyone to do this for the good cause?
ReplyDeleteWell said Franco.
ReplyDelete