Team Herald
SALIGAO: An artist and activist, Durga Gawade, on May 31 night was stalked and attacked by a local, Brian Franco at Saligao for asking him not to use the phone while riding.
The Saligao police arrested the accused for attack and outraging of modesty. He was released on bail on Wednesday.
The incident came to light after the video of the assault and cry for justice went viral on social media.
The incident occurred when Durga Gawade was on her way to the petrol pump on her bike in Saligao. She corrected Franco who was on his cell phone and almost banged into her bike. Angered, Franco stalked her and stopped his bike in front of her. He began hitting her and even tried to grab her crotch in the presence of several people. Someone from the audience took a video of the incident and gave it to the victim. Later, she filed a police complaint.
She shared this incident on social media on Wednesday evening demanding justice. Through the video she has narrated the entire incident and has got 90,000 views.
“Brian Franco is out on bail despite video evidence. He paid bail amount of Rs 20,000 to walk on the streets freely. Sadly, our society is filled with men like Brian. Hell, it’s not about being a man, woman, trans, gender fluid, Goan, or Indian. It’s not even about being an insider or an outsider. It’s all about being human at the end of the day. Humanity is lost and nobody, irrespective of their gender should be subjected to something so monstrous and detestable like this,” read her post on her facebook page.
The post further read, “In the court of law, during a bail hearing the complainant has no voice; doesn’t even have a right to their own lawyer. I was represented by a public prosecutor and the accused has a right to a lawyer. The complainant has no voice; in fact, the complainant isn’t even required to show up in court. The police and public prosecutor speak on behalf of the complainant!”
Saligao PI Santosh Dessai told Herald that the accused was arrested on the night of the incident and was in custody for four days. “The accused filed for bail and we strongly objected to the same but finally he was granted conditional bail on June 5. The victim is presently residing at Succoro but is from Mumbai,” Dessai said.
In this connection the Saligao police have registered an offence under sections 354 (d), 504, 323 and 341 of the Indian Penal Code.
Also a cross complaint was received from Franco alleging that his clothes were torn off and he was assaulted.
