In a significant development in a chilling double homicide case, the Goa Police have escalated their search by issuing a formal look-out circular against the prime suspect. The move aims to prevent the accused from fleeing the country as the investigation into the brutal murders of two men in North Goa's Saligao area continues.
Details of the Crime and the Hunt for the Accused
The police action comes nearly two months after the gruesome discovery on November 6. The victims, Richard D’Mello, a resident of Saligao, and Abhishek Gupta, who hailed from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, were found lying in a pool of blood inside Gupta's rented room located at Muddavaddo in Saligao.
The key suspect in the case is Jagannath Bhagat, a native of Chhattisgarh. According to police reports, Bhagat was employed by victim Richard D’Mello. He was last seen acting suspiciously on the very night the murders took place. His movements were partially captured on a CCTV camera at a local liquor store, placing him in the vicinity around the time of the crime.
Adding to the evidence, D’Mello's scooter was later recovered abandoned near the Thivim railway station, suggesting a possible escape route. Bhagat has been absconding since the night of the murders, evading police capture despite extensive efforts by the Saligao police station.
Why the Look-Out Notice Was Issued
The failure to trace the accused locally over the past two months prompted the Goa Police to take more stringent measures. The look-out notice, issued on Friday, is a crucial procedural step. Its primary purpose is to alert all immigration and border control authorities across India to monitor and detain Jagannath Bhagat if he attempts to leave the country through any airport, seaport, or land crossing.
This notice effectively tightens the net around the fugitive, making it extremely difficult for him to exit India undetected. The police are now combining local search operations with this nationwide alert to track him down.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
The investigation is being handled by the Saligao police. The issuance of the look-out circular indicates that the police are exploring all angles, including the possibility that Bhagat may have tried or may try to escape to another state or country. The motive behind the double murder is still under active investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Jagannath Bhagat's whereabouts to come forward. The case has highlighted the challenges in manhunts and the importance of inter-agency coordination in preventing suspects from fleeing justice.
