Team Herald
MARGAO: Residents of Chandrawado, Fatorda on Monday woke up to the shocking news of a gruesome double murder wherein two senior citizens – 62-year-old Minguel Miranda and his 85-year-old mother-in-law Catarina Pinto – were found lying in a pool of blood and wrapped with plastic material in a storeroom located behind their house.
South Goa SP Pankaj Kumar Singh said that a complaint was filed by Minguel’s son Valentino Miranda at the Fatorda Police Station at 9.30 am.
In his complaint, Valentino stated that his father Minguel was murdered by the labourers who were staying in a room behind their house.
Accordingly, the police team reached the crime spot and found Minguel and Catarina lying in a pool of blood. However, there was no confirmation at what time the crime took place. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem and reports are awaited.
Police said three labourers, who were staying in rented premises behind their residence, are reported to be missing. However, the victim’s scooter was found at the railway station in the evening, which prompted the police to round up several persons.
Some neighbours said that since Minguel was a WRD contractor, he had engaged labourers, who came eight days ago.
As the news of the double murder spread, SP Pankaj Kumar Singh, SP Crime Branch Shobit Saxena and DIG Paramaditya reached the spot.
DIG Paramaditya said, “This could be a case of personal enmity and a robbery. The police are investigating all angles.”
He said that both bodies bear marks of stab and blunt injuries.
When asked whether the tenant verification of the labourers was done, he said that they would inquire into the same.
However, a sniffer dog reportedly moved towards the fields and stopped near the Nehru College.
Sources said that Minguel had not paid these labourers their wages.
However, the police are yet to ascertain the motive behind the double murder.
