MARGAO: Following a brutal assault on 19-year-old Royson Fernandes at Loutolim late Wednesday night, the Maina-Curtorim police have booked a case against six persons of whom four have been identified.

Royson, who was beaten up by the gang of six with hockey sticks and other heavy rods has suffered head injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at South Goa District Hospital, Margao. The vicious assault took place near the Health Centre at Loutolim between 9.30 pm and 12.15 am.

According to the complaint lodged with the police by Royson’s mother Rosalina Fernandes, six persons including Anson Fernandes from Raia and one Judson from Fatorda, formed an unlawful assembly at Orgao, Loutolim, and assaulted her son.

Police have booked a case against the two named by the victim’s mother and are on the lookout for the other four.

The police have registered a case under IPC Sections 143 and 148 for forming unlawful assembly; 324 for causing hurt and 506 (ii) read with 149 of IPC for threatening with dire consequences.

Police said they will record statements from other people who were present at the site and said till this is done, the reason for the assault cannot not be ascertained.

Meanwhile locals have expressed shock and anguish over this brutal attack and demanded stern action against those guilty so that others desist from repeating such acts.

One resident demanded that the police should increase patrolling in the area as flexing of muscle power is on the rise in the State.