Calangute: Calangute police have filed a FIR against MLA and Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo for allegedly assaulting a 54-year-old man from Calangute on Wednesday. The victim, Kevin D’Souza, who is a part of the anti-PDA movement, had to be sent to GMC for medical treatment.

The incident occurred at around 1 pm during the foundation stone laying ceremony of a cross at Calangute fish market. The cross committee had not informed the parish priest before the demolishing of the Cross. However, when the priest was invited for laying the foundation stone, he accepted saying that he didn’t want any politicians. During the ceremony he said, “Let the Lord forgive those who demolished the Cross.” Witnesses say this upset the MLA, who vented his anger on D’Souza.

Sources said D’Souza was talking to the contractor when Lobo called him and allegedly punched his face. Lobo’s bodyguard/PSO also hit the man, who began bleeding from his mouth and even his tooth was damaged. The incident occurred in front of three lady constables and one PSI. 

D’Souza requested the police to arrest the MLA for attempt to murder and assault. The police filed a FIR at around 10 pm after D’Souza’s friends spent hours at the police station. 

Speaking to Herald, Lobo said, “There was no fight. It is rubbish. After the priest went, he (D’Souza) stopped our carpenter from doing work and when our people questioned he came to punch me. Thereafter as my PSO came in to stop he started running and fell down. I knew he would file a complaint. I had made a letter to police before they approached.”

A counter complaint was filed against D’Souza for allegedly threatening the contractor.