QUEPEM: An old tragic script played out in two villages of Cuncolim and Quepem. It left two young people dead, a boy and a girl, who were reportedly in a relationship and had to break off due to some pressures.
The grief-stricken boy, kept stalking the girl, even after they separated, at her village and home at Padi. On Sunday, he allegedly got hold of his former girlfriend and dragged her to a nearby rivulet and strangulated her.
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He then went back to his adjoining village of Cavrem in Quepem and hung himself.
Both the villages are in state of absolute shock and mourning at this mindless act which claimed two lives.
On Sunday afternoon, an 18-year-old girl, Anisha Velip of Khedem, Padi was brought dead to the Primary Health Centre at Balli, Cuncolim. It appeared to be a case of drowning.
Accordingly, an unnatural death case was registered at Cuncolim Police Station. Inquest proceedings were conducted and the body was sent for preservation at TB Hospital, Margao. During the investigation, it was observed that the water level was low in the water stream where Anisha was reportedly found.
Inquiries revealed about the presence of the friend of the deceased, Sarvesh Gaonkar near the victim’s house as corroborated by witnesses. Anisha’s mother had also seen him near the spot where Anisha was found.
During the search, Sarvesh was not found at his residence. Later, his body was found hanging from a tree near his residence at Cavrem-Quepem. The second case was registered at the Quepem Police Station.
Both bodies have been sent for post-mortem and further investigation is in process.
Initial investigations by the police seem to strongly point that 22-year-old Sarvesh Gaonkar, a resident of Cavrem-Pilla-Quepem, forcefully pressed Anisha Velip into the shallow waters of the rivulet which lead to her death by either forced drowning or strangulation. The post mortem report is yet to confirm the exact cause of death. Investigation officer Varsheela Desai spent the day in Margao conducting the post-mortem.
According to locals, Sarvesh regularly visited Padi, stalking Anisha, asking questions about her and trying to meet her. The girl did not respond. But no one had imagined that he would go to this extent and not only destroy both their lives but affect two grief-stricken families who may take a long time to come to grips with this senseless violence.
