In a series of shocking incidents under Quepem Police Station jurisdiction, three persons — including a mother, daughter and a 10-month-old child — were found dead in two separate cases on Saturday, sending shockwaves across South Goa. Police Inspector Prashal Dessai ruled out suspicion in both incidents, stating that all legal formalities have been completed and the cases have been treated as unnatural deaths.
Police confirmed that a total of five deaths have been reported in the area over the last two days, including other unrelated incidents. Locals have expressed concern over the spate of deaths and visited the sites seeking clarity.
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In the first incident, a mother and daughter were found dead inside their residence at Cusmon, Quepem, opposite the under-construction police station. The deceased were identified as Alka Shirwaikar (77) and her daughter Anar Shirwaikar (42). Police received information at 11:39 hrs on April 18, from a local resident.
A lady police sub-inspector was deputed to the site. Police said both bodies were found inside the house. Family members informed police that the mother had been suffering from prolonged illness, while the daughter was under psychiatric treatment and reportedly depressed.
Preliminary findings suggest that Anar Shirwaikar allegedly died by suicide by hanging, while Alka Shirwaikar is believed to have died of natural causes. Police conducted a scene of unnatural death (UD) panchanama and inquest panchanama. The bodies were preserved at South Goa District Hospital (SGDH), Margao, for medico-legal examination.
Officials confirmed no suicide note was found and no signs of foul play detected. Police sources said the two lived alone; their brother, residing in Porvorim, recorded his statement after visiting the house. He had earlier visited this month upon learning of his mother’s illness.
Investigators said the women rarely stepped out, with essentials delivered through a window, though the daughter was seen in the local market two days prior. The house was latched from inside and no suspicious material was found. Final cause of death will depend on post-mortem findings.
In another incident, a 10-month-old child was found dead at Gudi near Agramod Gudi. Police have registered an unnatural death case under Section 194 BNSS after the child, identified as Viraj Vadar from Agramorod, Paroda (Salcete), was brought dead to PHC Quepem at around 19:23 hrs on April 18, 2026.
Preliminary enquiry revealed that the child had accidentally fallen into a bucket of water at his residence and drowned. Police ruled out foul play based on initial findings and statements of family members. An inquest panchanama was conducted and the body preserved at SGDH, Margao. Further investigation is in progress.
Reports indicate the family, originally from Paroda, was living in a rented room. On the evening of the incident, the mother briefly went to the toilet while the child was playing nearby and fell into a bucket. The child was later found unconscious and declared dead at hospital. PSI Deepa Deykar is investigating the case.
Police sources confirmed that five deaths occurred in the jurisdiction in two days. Apart from the above, a 42-year-old woman from Tilamol, Sirvoi–Quepem, identified as Niquel Oliverio, died after coming into contact with a live electric wire on Friday. During inquiry, it was learnt that the deceased was plucking mangoes near a dance hall close to a mill in Tilamol when she accidentally came into contact with a live wire, resulting in fatal electrocution.
In yet another case, Laxman Velip (47) of Velipwada, Cavrem, died following a self-accident. Police received a wireless message on April 18, from Goa Medical College and Hospital stating that he succumbed to injuries during treatment. Police inquiries revealed he had been involved in a self-accident and was referred to GMC Bambolim, where he later died. A motor vehicle accident case has been registered and PSI Digamber Bondre is investigating.
In a related earlier incident in November 2025, an elderly couple — Ramakant Vasta (69) and his wife Ramita Vasta (54) — were found dead at their residence in Cacora, Curchorem. Police had then stated that the wife, who was bedridden, likely died of natural causes, while the husband allegedly died by suicide. A suicide note in Marathi was recovered at the time.
