Goa’s Death Update: Authorities demands judicial probe + Congress leader, his son and police officials linked to narcotics mafia

53 Nigerians were detained late Thursday night after a mob of about 200 of them blocked a National Highway over the death of a fellow national, (see story here).

Consequently, the Goa Congress, on Friday demanded a judicial probe into the murder of the Nigerian national, allegedly by the narcotics mafia, and the subsequent blockading of the National Highway No.17 for hours Thursday.

Addressing a press conference in Panaji, Congress spokesperson Reginaldo Lourenco said that his party was also open to a high-level probe into the findings of a legislative committee, which indicts senior Congress leader Ravi Naik, his son Roy and police officials for links with Goa's narcotics mafia.

"The manner in which Goa's main arterial road was held to ransom for six hours by a Nigerian gang only goes to show that the home ministry has failed. The corrupt policemen are too scared to touch the drug mafia," Lourenco said.

He alleged that the Goa Police force was on the payroll of the narcotics mafia.

"The Congress demands a judicial probe into the murder and its fallout, which includes the highway blockade, assault on police officials and local residents by the Nigerians," Lourenco said.

He said Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was reluctant in taking police action against drug trade.

"What is stopping him? He should probe everyone. Even if they think I am involved, I should be investigated," Lourenco said.

On Thursday, the NH 17 was blocked for several hours by a mob of around 200 Nigerians following the murder of a Nigerian national.

(IANS)