In a swift crackdown, Fatorda police on Wednesday arrested eight men in connection with the armed ambush on the Margao–Colva Road in Mungul that left two youths injured and sparked outrage.
The arrests came less than 24 hours after a gang of masked assailants ambushed the victims’ car early Tuesday, attacking with swords, sticks, soda bottles and koytas, and firing two bullets before fleeing.
Those arrested have been identified as Rashul Shaikh (23), Wilson Carvalho (25), Shahrukh Shaikh (26), Mohammed Ali (24), Suraj Maaji (19), Gaurang Korgaonkar (24), Vasu Kumar (24) and Malik Shaikh (18). All eight were produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Margao, and remanded to five days in police custody.
The victims, Rafiq Tashan (24) and Yuvkesh Singh Badaila (20), sustained injuries in the attack — Tashan was hospitalised, while Singh received medical treatment. Police teams are now on the hunt for the remaining accused, including prime suspects Akshay and Rahul Talwar from Borda, who remain at large.
Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) experts recovered crucial evidence from the crime scene, including shattered glass fragments, an empty cartridge and a live round, all secured under panchanama. Investigators also collected blood samples — one from a soda bottle found in the vehicle, and others from the front passenger seat and the driver’s seat. All exhibits have been sealed and will be sent for detailed forensic examination, police said.
South Goa SP Tikam Singh Verma confirmed that the incident is part of an ongoing gang rivalry.
“The incident has links to previous gang conflicts between the groups. Members from both sides have criminal records. One of the accused, now absconding, had recently been arrested in connection with an attempted murder case. An FIR in an assault case involving him was also recorded at the concerned police station,” Verma toldO Heraldo.
He further disclosed that several accused who are currently on the run have been involved in narcotics cases.
“Alleged criminals from both groups have their addresses in Goa and live with their families. The police are investigating any potential links between these groups and the underworld,” Verma added.
While clarifying that there is no evidence connecting the groups to organised crime syndicates outside the State, Verma assured that police are examining every angle to understand the networks and operations of those involved.
“So far, there is no connection with the underworld or criminals from other States,” he added.
Night and day patrolling in the area has been intensified.
The brazen attack has triggered a political storm. AAP MLA Venzy Viegas, joined by Roque Mascarenhas and other concerned citizens, met SP Verma demanding a swift, transparent probe, better surveillance, and intelligence-driven policing.
“The incident in Mungul is shocking and disturbing. No locals are involved — these are criminals from outside the Benaulim constituency creating trouble,” Viegas stated.
“Such incidents are a failure of the government. People must be freed from the fear of criminal activities. The government must explain why such criminal activities keep happening,” he added.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai also demanded zero tolerance towards such criminal activities.
“The government must not tolerate such criminal activities under any circumstances,” he said.
Residents and leaders warn that unless authorities dismantle these gangs and step up preventive measures, South Goa’s public safety will remain under threat.
He further disclosed that several accused who are currently on the run have been involved in narcotics cases.
“Alleged criminals from both groups have their addresses in Goa and live with their families. The police are investigating any potential links between these groups and the underworld,” Verma added.
While clarifying that there is no evidence connecting the groups to organised crime syndicates outside the State, Verma assured that police are examining every angle to understand the networks and operations of those involved.
“So far, there is no connection with the underworld or criminals from other States,” he added.
Night and day patrolling in the area has been intensified.
The brazen attack has triggered a political storm. AAP MLA Venzy Viegas, joined by Roque Mascarenhas and other concerned citizens, met SP Verma demanding a swift, transparent probe, better surveillance, and intelligence-driven policing.
“The incident in Mungul is shocking and disturbing. No locals are involved — these are criminals from outside the Benaulim constituency creating trouble,” Viegas stated.
“Such incidents are a failure of the government. People must be freed from the fear of criminal activities. The government must explain why such criminal activities keep happening,” he added.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai also demanded zero tolerance towards such criminal activities.
“The government must not tolerate such criminal activities under any circumstances,” he said.
Residents and leaders warn that unless authorities dismantle these gangs and step up preventive measures, South Goa’s public safety will remain under threat.