CURCHOREM: While Madhegal in Kakoda is in a state of shock, police have still no leads on the murder of Shobha Arvind Karmali. The residents of the area, however, can’t get over the murder of their relative, friend and neighbour.
Many raised concerns regarding the law and order situation in the State. A local doctor said people in Curchorem and surrounding area have panicked. “Recently besides the murder several dacoities have taken place. It is a matter of concern. Police must crack the murder immediately to regain the confidence of the people,” the doctor said.
Expressing shock, Suneela Phadke a teacher, said such incidents show that women face danger not only at night but during the day too in their own homes. Expressing similar views, another teacher Mangaldas Bhatt said, “It shows that law and order has collapsed as two murders have taken place in a single day.”
Relatives of Shobha, however, are in mourning. Speaking to Herald, Ashish Karmali a cousin of Shobha’s husband Arvind, said, “Arvind leaves the house at around 7 am. On that day my wife and I left for Margao at around 8.15 am and returned by 10.25. Within five minutes of reaching home her maid came crying and informed us of the incident,” said Ashish.
He added that his wife ran inside the bungalow and found Shobha’s body lying on the ground near the bed with tape on her mouth. “Thinking that she might be alive, we removed the tape from her mouth and tried to pour water in her mouth and immediately called the family doctor who declared her dead,” he said.
A police team consisting of PSI Arjun Sangodkar, PSI Arun Andrew and PSI Ashok Dessai rushed at the site and informed PI Ravindra Dessai. Later, Quepem DySP Sammy Tavares and SP Shekar Prabhudessai joined the team.
PI Dessai, who is investigating the case, said the body was handed over to relatives after conducting the post-mortem. “As per the post-mortem report, the cause of death is suffocation due to strangulation,” he said.
Relatives suspect the murder may have been committed by known persons. Ashish said the bungalow is situated in a thickly populated area and Shobha never opened the door to unknown persons. “She always used to look through the window before opening the door for anyone,” he said.
Shobha is survived by her husband who is into business and a daughter who is married and son working in Mumbai.
