Prof’s police remand extended by two days

The court has extended the police remand of Panjab University professor BB Goyal by two days. After being arrested on December 8 and remanded in three-day police custody, the police brought him to the district court today to seek extension of his remand for further questioning in the investigation.

Professor Goyal was arrested for the alleged murder of his wife Seema Goyal.

The hearing was marked by sharp exchanges between the prosecution and the defence, as well as personal allegations raised by the accused regarding his treatment in custody.

Investigating officer Naveen presented the case before the court and stressed that two crucial aspects of the investigation remained incomplete. He informed the judge that Goyal’s missing mobile phone was yet to be recovered and that a face-to-face interrogation between Prof Goyal and his daughter, Parul, was essential to clarify inconsistencies in their statements. The IO sought four additional days of police remand to ensure a fair and thorough investigation.

However, defence counsel Matwinder Singh opposed the request, contending that the police had questioned the accused for only a few minutes over the past three days. He argued that the accused had merely been kept seated in the police station without being taken anywhere for investigation, making an extended remand unjustified.

During the proceedings, Professor Goyal removed the handkerchief from his face and told the court that he had not been given food for nearly 24 hours. He also claimed that the police were not permitting him to wear socks despite the cold, and that the blanket given to him was extremely thin.

Taking note of the allegations, the judge directed the investigating officer to ensure that the basic needs of the detainee, including adequate food, were properly met and that no further complaints should arise. However, the court clarified that additional items such as socks or thicker blankets would be provided strictly in accordance with the police manual.

After hearing both sides, the court approved only two more days of police remand for the accused, instead of the four sought by the police. The court also ordered that the investigation be stepped up.