Saturnino Rodrigues, a 57-year-old resident from Colva alleged that Gonsalves has been threatening him and his family with dire consequences.
“On December 15, 2015, the petitioner was proceeding to Colva and around 10.20 am and when he along with his wife reached the Colva Church, Gonsalves stood in front of his vehicle and blocked their movement. Gonsalves then tried to display muscle power and hurled abuses at the couple saying that they are helping one Francis Cardozo,” the petition filed by Advocate Galileo Teles, on behalf of Rodrigues, reads as.
The petitioner further states that the accused, aware that the former is a witness in the disproportionate asset case, also threatened him with dire consequences. “Gonsalves said he has a pistol and will not hesitate to shoot anyone who comes in his way,” the petition states.
The petition stated that the delay in filing the petition was not deliberate but because the ACB initially refused his request for seeking cancellation of bail and later also delayed giving relevant information in order to move the court for the purpose.
The anti-corruption branch of the directorate of vigilance, which is investigating the case against Gonsalves had arrested him for allegedly possessing assets 250 percent over his actual income. Before his arrest, the panchayat member had failed to appear before ACB officials for investigation at least 10 times on “flimsy grounds.” The court has issued a notice to the alleged accused while the matter is fixed for hearing on July 22.
