Panaji: The Bombay high court has granted police protection to advocate Ankur Kumar to visit a site at Morjim, noting a possible threat to him.Kumar was assaulted last month while implementing Supreme Court and high court orders on the demolition of structures at Morjim.He sought police protection to visit the site of his client, a contempt petitioner. He told the court that he needed to inspect the site to check its condition and whether demolition ordered by the NGT had been completed.The high court directed Mandrem police inspector to provide Kumar adequate protection if he gives 48 hours’ notice of his visit.The court has also registered a suo motu petition on the wider issue of attacks on advocates while they perform their duties. The high court bar association had sought urgent action in the case. It also sought directions to ensure such incidents are dealt with quickly and firmly.After the court took a serious view of the case last month, police decided to add the charge of attempt to murder against the accused.The court also criticised police for failing to provide protection during the demolition drive despite its orders. It transferred the investigation from the officer in charge of Mandrem police station to another officer and directed that it be conducted under the direct supervision of the North Goa SP, without interference from the Pernem SDPO.The court also directed the IGP to appoint, within 24 hours, an independent senior police officer of SP rank to conduct a preliminary departmental inquiry into the conduct of the earlier investigating officer.
