TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
SANGUEM: The Quepem Judicial Magistrate First Class on Monday acquitted all 37 persons accused of rioting and assault on government servants in the infamous communal riots that had gripped the twin towns of Curchorem and Sanvordem on March 3-4, 2006.
According to sources, police had filed a charge sheet against the 37 accused persons under Sections 143, 144, 147, 323 and 435, besides other sections, and had filed a total of 13 cases against the accused, a majority of whom hailed from Curchorem and Sanvordem.
While the accused persons were earlier acquitted in 11 of the 13 cases, the court also ordered their acquittal in the remaining two cases in an order on Monday.
Advocate James Lopes appearing for some of the accused persons informed Herald that the prosecution had examined a total number of 30 witnesses in the two cases. However, as there was no much evidence in the matter, the Court ordered the acquittal of all the accused persons.
It may be recalled that violence had gripped the twin towns of Curchorem and Sanvordem on March 3 and 4, 2006, following the damage to a Muslim prayer house at Guddamol-Curchorem.
During the two days, protestors clashed with the police and a number of people, including policemen, were injured in the riots. Nearly 50 vehicles and over 30 houses and shops, mostly owned by the Muslim community, were also damaged in the process.
The incident, which had taken place in a state known for its communal harmony, had provoked widespread condemnation from across the nation.
