Goa, Oct. 29 -- Advocate Pratima Coutinho has strongly reacted to the statement issued by South Goa SP Tikam Singh Verma regarding the alleged custodial assault of a Navelim youth, Edberg, questioning the SP's handling of the incident.

Coutinho alleged that while history-sheeters receive VIP treatment, an innocent youth who was merely under the influence of alcohol was subjected to inhumane treatment. "Why is VIP treatment being given to history-sheeters while an innocent youth who was drunk is treated like this? I think the inquiry should be initiated against you, SP Tikam Singh Verma," she said.

Calling the incident a serious violation of human rights, Coutinho urged Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant to order an independent inquiry aga...