A week after the brutal mob assault on a young couple in Bastora, sime of the main suspects continue to roam free, raising serious questions about the pace and intent of the police investigation.
The incident, which occurred on the afternoon of Monday, June 2, sent shockwaves across Goa. A pregnant woman and her husband were mercilessly beaten by a mob outside their shawarma shop, as bystanders watched in silence. Despite the severity of the crime, police have made no further arrests beyond the initial three, and the key suspects remain at large.
Speaking toO Heraldo,a senior police officer gave a routine response: "The case is being investigated. Multiple teams have been formed and raids are underway." However, behind these statements, there has been little progress since June 3.
The victims, Vivek Shirodkar and his wife Shruti, residents of Nachinola, Aldona, recounted the traumatic incident toO Heraldo.The couple had set out for a prenatal scan — eager to hear their baby’s heartbeat for the first time — when they were unexpectedly attacked.
What began as a verbal altercation quickly turned into a violent assault, leaving both of them physically injured and emotionally scarred.
Married for just over a year after eight years of courtship, the Shirodkars are now grappling with not only their injuries but also the psychological aftermath of the attack.
So far, the police have arrested three individuals — Ranganath Shetye (55), Vinod Shetkar (47), and Kaushal Tulshidas Shetye (32), all residents of Tambdi Matti, Pirozone, Moira. Two vehicles allegedly used by the attackers have also been seized.
But according to the victims’ family, five other suspects — including the alleged main instigator — remain unarrested.
Amar Mandrekar, Vivek’s brother-in-law, said, "It’s been seven days. Out of eight people involved, only three have been arrested. One of them is even an advocate. The police need to act faster."
Political leaders have begun to speak out. Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress president Dr Pratiksha Khalap issued an ultimatum to the state government, demanding the arrest of all suspects within 15 days. She strongly criticised the State’s law and order situation, not only for failing to prevent the incident but also for the sluggish response when the couple tried to file a complaint.
"Goa is no longer the Goa we knew. Is this governance or Gundaraj?" said Dr Khalap. "Only three suspects are in custody. The main person and his son are still free. Why is the system protecting them?"
Calling for immediate formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), she added, "We want justice, not delays. This is not just physical violence. The trauma faced by Shruti, who is pregnant, is unimaginable. Who will be held accountable if anything happens to her or the unborn child?"
She concluded with a warning: "The chief minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, must take responsibility. We are giving the government 15 days to arrest all those involved. No woman should have to suffer this way."
What began as a verbal altercation quickly turned into a violent assault, leaving both of them physically injured and emotionally scarred.
Married for just over a year after eight years of courtship, the Shirodkars are now grappling with not only their injuries but also the psychological aftermath of the attack.
So far, the police have arrested three individuals – Ranganath Shetye (55), Vinod Shetkar (47), and Kaushal Tulshidas Shetye (32), all residents of Tambdi Matti, Pirozone, Moira. Two vehicles allegedly used by the attackers have also been seized.
But according to the victims’ family, five other suspects – including the alleged main instigator – remain unarrested.
Amar Mandrekar, Vivek’s brother-in-law, said, "It’s been seven days. Out of eight people involved, only three have been arrested. One of them is even an advocate. The police need to act faster."
Political leaders have begun to speak out. Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress president Dr Pratiksha Khalap issued an ultimatum to the state government, demanding the arrest of all suspects within 15 days. She strongly criticised the State’s law and order situation, not only for failing to prevent the incident but also for the sluggish response when the couple tried to file a complaint.
"Goa is no longer the Goa we knew. Is this governance or Gundaraj?" said Dr Khalap. "Only three suspects are in custody. The main person and his son are still free. Why is the system protecting them?"
Calling for immediate formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), she added, "We want justice, not delays. This is not just physical violence. The trauma faced by Shruti, who is pregnant, is unimaginable. Who will be held accountable if anything happens to her or the un-born child?"
She concluded with a warning: "The chief minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, must take responsibility. We are giving the government 15 days to arrest all those involved. No woman should have to suffer this way."
The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.