Thiruvananthapuram/Panaji: A 55-year-old man accused in multiple land grab cases, who had escaped from Goa police custody on December 12, was apprehended in Kerala two days ago, announced Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday. The accused, Siddiqui Suleman Khan, had been on the run for over four years before his initial arrest in November.
Khan’s escape unfolded with alleged assistance from a constable at the crime branch lock-up in Ribandar, near Panaji. A video, which later surfaced, appeared to show the constable unlocking the cell and aiding Khan’s getaway on a motorcycle. Authorities have stated that further interrogation of Khan will uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and identify those responsible for his escape.
The incident has sparked political turmoil, with opposition parties releasing a separate video in which Khan accused a BJP MLA and a senior crime branch officer of facilitating his escape. Khan further alleged that a ruling party MLA assaulted him in the Superintendent of Police’s office over a land dispute.
The opposition has demanded Chief Minister Sawant’s resignation, citing the escape as evidence of severe lapses within law enforcement and possible political interference. Khan’s recapture in Kerala brings the focus back to unraveling the details behind this high-profile case and addressing the concerns of police integrity.
