TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: A picnic at Solva Spring, Raia proved dangerous for an 18-year-old Francisco Barretto of Sonafator-Loutolim, who was allegedly forced to drink rum, eat Ratol paste and cake and was given cigarette burns on his neck.
The incident occurred on September 5 evening when Barretto along with his friends had gone for a bath at the Solva spring.
In this connection, the Maina Curtorim have arrested Joel Gracias, of Orgao, Loutulim, Maxol Fernandes of Salmadi, Cuncolim, Mario Fernandes, of Curca, Raia and Lloyd Esteves of Damon, Raia
Barreto who is presently recuperating at GMC, Bambolim has allegedly stated that he along with his friends Gracias, Maxol , Mario and Esteves had gone to the Solva spring. He alleged that his friends who he suspect to have had grudge on him forced him to drink rum and later made him to eat Ratoll paste. He was also threatened not to divulge the incident and was dropped home at 5 pm.
As he felt uneasy and started vomiting, the victim narrated the incident to the family, who rushed him to Hospicio Margao from where he was shifted to GMC, Bambolim. As Barretto was not in a position to give statement, the police recorded his statement on the next day, after which an offence was registered against the four youth who were later arrested. The four accused are charged for attempt to murder and under sections 307 and 506 of IPC. Further investigations are in progress.
