MAPUSA: In a shocking incident, Aldona Sarpanch Pranesh Naik was brutally attacked by a gang of six to seven persons, on Thursday.
Pranesh sustained grievous injuries and is undergoing treatment at Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim. However, the friend, who accompanied Pranesh in the restaurant, sustained minor injuries.
According to sources, the incident occurred between 3.30 pm and 4 pm when Pranesh along with his friend was sitting in a restaurant at Carona, Aldona when suddenly a Delhi-registered vehicle stopped near the restaurant and two persons wearing masks moved out of the vehicle, entered the restaurant and attacked the sarpanch with a “koita”.
“On Thursday evening an incident was reported wherein Aldona sarpanch was attacked by some six to seven persons. We have some leads and are trying to identify the accused persons. A case has been registered under Section 307 (attempt to murder) of the IPC. We are taking it very seriously and are investigating all angles. Hopefully we will have quick detention,” Superintendent of Police North Shobit Saxena said.
“The incident occurred at around 3.30 pm when the victim along with his friend was sitting in the restaurant when a vehicle stopped, some people got out of it and directly went and attacked the sarpanch. We are investigating the motive behind the attack and who these persons are,” SP Saxena said.
Soon after the incident was reported, a police team including SP North Shobit Saxena and Mapusa PI Tushar Lotlikar rushed to the spot. A forensic team too was pressed into service.
The victim’s brother revealed name of one Vijay Karbotkar, who he suspects to be the prime accused.
“Police must investigate who these people are and who sent them. Police will have to act or else people will be forced to take law in their hands. I request the Chief Minister to prevent such incidents,” he added.
The victim’s family suspect that it’s a planned attack since Pranesh moves out only on Thursdays when the restaurant run by him remains shut. Pranesh used to visit this restaurant for lunch on Thursdays.
Thursday’s incident has shocked the residents Aldona, who claimed that law and order in the State has completely collapsed.
A former sarpanch said, “If the sarpanch is not safe it means that there is no security left in Aldona. If several incidents pertaining to law and order are reported, it appears that the common man is not safe. Law and order has collapsed in Aldona and the government should give a free hand to the police to conduct a fair investigation.”
Acting president of Goa Forward Party and former Tivim MLA Kiran Kandolkar said, “This is a pre-planned attack since Thursday is the only day when Pranesh moves out of his house.”
Kandolkar alleged that a politician is the mastermind behind the attack.
