PANJIM: Chimbel panch member Mohan Narve was stabbed by a group of four on the eve of Diwali. He is currently being treated at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC). Old Goa Police have registered a case against four persons under Section 326 of IPC.

As per information provided by the police, the incident occurred at 1 am on Wednesday, when the deceased was returning from the Narkasur procession. He was stopped and was stabbed. 

“One Azam and his son, along with two others, 

allegedly assaulted Narve with a knife. He was stabbed and left to bleed,” police said, adding, “The attack was due to personal enmity.” 

Narve said that the prime accused Azam owes him money and the attack was a result of an altercation between the two a couple of days earlier. While Narve and Azam were involved in an argument on Diwali eve, the latter’s son and his friends allegedly attacked the panch. “Azam punched me and I fell to the ground and then his son attacked me with a knife. I ran for my life and fled to my house,” he stated.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Nelson Albuquerque confirmed the incident and said that the injuries are not of a serious nature, though Narve has been placed under observation in GMC. 

He said that based on the statement of the victim, one of the accused has been arrested while others are on the run. “We have arrested one of the four accused. The assault was out of personal rivalry,” he said. The DySP ruled out the involvement of drug-trafficking in the case.