Benaulim dy sarpanch, another acquitted of organising bull fight

Benaulim dy sarpanch, another acquitted of  organising bull fight
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, JUNE 25
Benaulim Deputy Sarpanch Stanley Fernandes and one Laurence Fernandes have been acquitted by Judicial Magistrate First Class, Margao of the charges of subjecting bulls to cruelty by organising a bull fight at Pedda-Benaulim two years ago.
The Colva police had charged both Stanley and Laurence for organizing a fight at Pedda-Benaulim on July 30, 2008 between bulls “Lenvtoo” and “Ronaldo” owned by the duo for the entertainment of the general public. They were charged for committing an offense under section 11 (2) of the Prevention of Cruelty Act, 1960.
The case of the prosecution was based on the testimony of PSI Anand Shirodkar, who stated that a bull fight was on at the spot watched by a large crowd. PSI Shirodkar stated that his inquiry later revealed that the bull fight was organised by both the accused.
The JMFC, Pooja C Kavlekar, however, observed that no independent witnesses were examined by the prosecution in support of its case. “When cross examined, PSI Shirodkar has stated that he is not aware as to who are the persons who were questioned on the aspect of organizing the bull fight. He did not conduct any inquiry and it was the PI who conducted the inquiry. The cross examination of PI Edwin Colaco completely reveals that there ‘s absolutely no substance in the prosecution case and the accused are entitled for a clean acquittal”, Judge Kavlekar added.
Saying that the case is devoid of any substance and is liable to be dismissed, Judge Kavlekar acquitted both Stanley and Laurence of the offence punishable under section 11 (2) (m)(n) of the Prevention of Cruelty Act, 1960.