The Pernem Police have arrested sev en persons in connection with illegal sand extrac tion from the Tiracol River at Ugvem, Pernem, even as investigations continue into a gunfire incident earlier this week that left two labourers injured. The injured labourers were reportedly employed by one of the accused, who has been arrested. Those arrested have been identified as Robert Fernandes (46) and Ashok Mulgaonkar (48), both residents of Poroscodem, Pernem, Sonelal Chaud hary (25), Munna Bin (38), Sonu Paswan (21), Vikas Bin (31), and Yogendra Chaudhary (30), all natives of Bihar.
According to police, the accused were allegedly extract ing sand from the Tiracol River without valid permission from the competent authorities. On the night of October 27–28, unidentified assailants opened fire on two labourers — Ramrishi Paswan (54) and Lalbabu Goud (37), natives of Bihar— leaving them grievously injured. Both men were working for Robert Fer nandes. Police said that over 35 firearm holders have been inter rogated, and their weapons examined with assistance from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) as part of the inves tigation into the shooting. Efforts are underway to identify and trace those responsible for the firing. “Efforts are being made from all angles to identify and trace the accused persons involved in the firing on the la bourers,” said North Goa SP Rahul Gupta. “We are investigating both the illegal sand extraction and the firing incident thoroughly. Efforts are on to nab the per son responsible for the shooting,” he added. Police have registered another case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Goa, Daman & Diu Minor Min erals Concession Rules, 1985 against the labourers and the canoe owner. They are accused of illegally extracting sand from the river in violation of the said rules. Both Lalbabu and Ramrishi— sustained bullet injuries to the hand and neck, respectively, and are currently under going treatment at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC).
