A 58-year-old ferry boat sailor, Ramakant Phadte of Volvoi, Ponda, sustained grievous injuries after being attacked at the Surla Ferry terminal on the evening of October 2. The incident occurred when the ferry “Chandor” docked at Surla to deboard passengers.
According to reports, an unknown man riding a reddish TVS Jupiter scooter began verbally abusing the ferry staff. When Mr. Phadte confronted the individual, he was struck on the head with a koita, resulting in severe bleeding. Other ferry staff who attempted to intervene were threatened by the assailant and his pillion rider, who then fled the scene.
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Mr. Phadte was immediately shifted to GMC Bambolim for treatment, where he is currently recovering.
Police investigations, aided by human intelligence, identified the main accused as Rupesh Naik, 40, of Dhakul Maina, Sanquelim. He had initially evaded arrest and was hiding in a dense forest near Podocem. A coordinated search operation led by PI Vijay Rane of Bicholim PS, involving multiple officers, successfully apprehended Rupesh within 24 hours after over 16 hours of search.
The scooter used in the attack was recovered, though the weapon remains missing. The second accused, Aniket Navelkar, 28, from Fanaswadi, Navelim, who acted as the pillion rider, has also been arrested.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of PI Bicholim, SDPO Bicholim, and SP North, with further investigations ongoing.
