AAP Goa Chief Amit Palekar Arrested in Evidence Tampering Case Amidst Political Uproar

New Delhi, August 31, 2023: Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Goa chief, Amit Palekar, was arrested on Thursday on charges of destroying evidence related to a fatal accident that resulted in three deaths. Palekar, a lawyer, is accused of bringing a person to the police station and falsely identifying him as the driver of an SUV involved in the accident.

This move was allegedly aimed at shielding the actual driver. He has been booked under IPC Section 201, which carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.

Palekar vehemently denied the allegations, claiming that he was being targeted due to political reasons. He stated, “They were pressuring me for two days that if you do not join the BJP, I will face consequences. This is absolutely dirty politics… This is only to tarnish my image and nothing more than this.”

The incident involved businessman Paresh alias Shripad A Sinai Sawardekar, who was previously arrested for culpable homicide. The speeding car he was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol crashed into several vehicles, resulting in three fatalities. The accident occurred near Panaji on Sunday.

Meghana, the owner of the Mercedes SUV driven by Sawardekar, deposited ₹2 crore as compensation for the victims as directed by the Bombay High Court at Goa.

The case has stirred political controversy, with Palekar’s arrest triggering allegations of political vendetta due to his refusal to join the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While Palekar asserts that the charges against him are aimed at tarnishing his image, the situation has cast a spotlight on the intersection of law and politics in the region.

The BJP has yet to respond to Palekar’s allegations, and the case continues to draw attention as it unfolds.