Opp, BJP fight over fake Parrikar FB post arrest

Even as the Opposition and the ruling BJP crossed swords over the arrest of 35-year-old Kenneth Silveira, who was held on Wednesday for posting a fake post about Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s demise, a trial court in the State capital on Thursday remanded the accused to two days in police custody.

Earlier on Thursday, the BJP endorsed the police action against Silveira, who was arrested late on Wednesday for uploading a post on Facebook, which suggested that Parrikar, who is currently undergoing treatment in the US, for a pancreas related ailment, had died.

“Just got news that Parrikar is no more,” the post said. Silveira was arrested by the Crime Branch after a complaint was filed by a BJP State office bearer. On Thursday Judicial Magistrate First Class, Panaji, denied Silveira bail and remanded him to two days in police custody.

Speaking to The Pioneer, South Goa MP and State BJP general secretary Narendra Savoikar said that the police had done the right thing, by booking Silveira first and then arresting him.

“Assuming something has been done, police might have taken action. One should confirm information about a constitutional authority before posting it,” Savoikar said.

The Opposition meanwhile has criticised both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led coalition Government as well as the police machinery for unleashing “police raj”, describing the move to arrest Silveira as dictatorial.

“Silveira may have made a mistake by putting up such a post, but arresting him for a Facebook post smacks of arrogance of power. This is nothing but police raj,” All India Congress Committee secretary Girish Chodankar said.