Arrest of Ex-Army officer’s son: No terror link yet, but Goa CM says ‘serious suspicion’ against Sardana

Earlier in the day, NIA sleuths questioned Sardana. However, with the terror probe against him leading to no breakthrough yet, the Goa Police is likely to book him for violations under the Passport Act. According to police officials, six passports were found in Sameer’s possession at the time of his arrest on February 1.

Sameer’s suspicious movements at Vasco railway station were first noticed by two ticket examiners who questioned him. Later, he was restrained by the railway police after he allegedly threatened the duo. A non-cognisable (NC) complaint was also registered against him at the Vasco police station regarding the threat to the ticket examiners. The same complainants later tipped off the ATS about Sameer’s suspicious movements, after which he was picked up by the ATS sleuths. During the probe, the son of former Major General K N Sardana was found to be staying at the Vasco railway dormitory for nearly two months.

“We have not been able to link him to any terror plot as per the investigations that have taken place till now. But inquiries are on,” an ATS official told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Speaking to The Indian Express, DGP T N Mohan said: “We have been granted Sameer’s custody for seven days. Only after a thorough examination of all the aspects, will we be able to proceed with any future course of action.”

Investigators, meanwhile, refused to give details of all the belonging that were seized during the arrest. Reports indicated that Sameer had five mobile phones and a laptop in his possession.

Police officials revealed that the mobile phones had been sent for technical examination. They added that Sameer also had “random tickets” to Vasco, Madgaon and other places in Goa.

The ATS has reportedly managed to crack the password of his laptop and access the emails and documents.

(With PTI inputs)