CBI gets statement of Swedish model in Goa drugs case

The Central Bureau of Investigation has finally managed to obtain a statement of Swedish model Lucky Farmhouse who exposed the Goa policemen-drug peddlers nexus case.

Deputy Inspector General (CBI) Pravinkumar Salunke told PTI today that her statement was recorded by Swedish police a few days ago, and handed over to the Indian agency through Interpol.

"She has deposed in Swedish. We need to translate it," Salunke said, adding that he did not know its contents yet.

"Contents of the statement would not be made public as it is a part of the investigation," the DIG said.

Another senior officer told PTI that CBI could not find an authorised translator in India, which forced it to scout abroad.

"A proposal has been moved to the Centre, seeking Rs5 lakh as the fee for translator," the official said. "Once we get funds, we will send the matter for translation."

Lucky had exposed the relations between her former boyfriend, Israeli national Yaniv Benaim alias Atala and Goa policemen by videotaping some conversations.

The video purportedly shows that Atala purchased seized drugs from some officers of Anti-Narcotic Cell, to sell them back on the beaches of Goa. Atala, rearrested in Peru after jumping bail, was given bail afresh by a court here yesterday.

Lucky's statement is crucial because she is the only person to have claimed that Roy -- former Home Minister Ravi Naik's son -- frequented her place in Anjuna where she lived with Atala. Roy, according to Lucky, forced Atala to continue in the drug cartel, though the Israeli wanted to quit it after marriage to Lucky.