Prior to this, Goa Police had apprehended an individual named Paresh in connection with the same case. During questioning, he revealed that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident and was accompanied by a real estate businessman friend in his vehicle.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Goa’s president, Amit Palekar, has been apprehended by the crime branch for alleged distortion of facts in relation to the Banastarim accident case. He is facing charges under Section 201 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for tampering with evidence or providing false information to shield an offender, as informed by the police.
The incident took place on August 7 when entrepreneur Paresh Sawardekar was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, causing a collision involving his Mercedes car with five other vehicles in Banastarim village near Panaji. The mishap tragically resulted in the loss of three lives, according to law enforcement. Sawardekar is the proprietor of a chain of supermarkets and a real estate enterprise.
The crash transpired on the Ponda-Panaji national highway, involving three automobiles, a motorcycle, and a scooter, situated roughly 15 kilometers from the state’s capital.
The AAP Goa President was taken into custody on the morning of Thursday, August 31, from his office in Panaji.
Furthermore, he asserted that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) extended an invitation for him to join their ranks, which he declined. Palekar remarked, without mentioning names, that he was warned of consequences if he did not acquiesce to their request.
About Amit Palekar
Palekar became a part of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in October 2021 and was named as the party’s choice for the chief ministerial position in the 2022 Goa Assembly elections. In the St Cruz Assembly constituency of North Goa District, he contested against Congress’ Rodolfo Louis Fernandes, who has since joined the BJP. Palekar secured the third position with 4,049 votes. Notably, Palekar garnered attention in 2021 for his endeavors to provide oxygen cylinders to COVID-19 patients in need during the second wave.
