Inspection Service Looks into Nitra Police Chief's Role in Gaspar Crash Case

Nitra/Bratislava, 20 October (TASR) – The Internal Affairs Inspectorate (UIS) is examining information recently reported in the media concerning the presence of Branislav Hajnovic, the head of Nitra region police, at the scene of a traffic accident involving Slovak Information Service (SIS) director Pavol Gaspar, UIS spokesperson Andrea Dobiasova confirmed on Monday. MP Martina Bajo Holeckova (SaS) disclosed that the investigation is taking place and stated that she's already testified before the inspectorate in connection with the incident. "Regional police director Hajnovic admitted he was at the scene of the accident, but claims he was merely passing by and stopped because no police patrol had arrived yet," said the MP. "Gaspar, however, stated on television that Hajnovic arrived at the scene two and a half hours after the accident. By that time, a police patrol had already been present for some time." Holeckova also questioned Gaspar's claim that he made no phone calls from the scene. "There are photos and videos clearly showing him speaking on the phone," she noted. Gaspar was involved in a traffic accident on Dobsinskeho Street in Nitra on 30 August, when two passenger vehicles collided. A minor suffered light injuries in the crash. Both drivers were tested for alcohol, with negative results in both cases. mf/df