Tensions flared in Valpoi on Friday evening as a crowd of concerned villagers gathered outside the local police station demanding the release of three youth, including a minor, detained in connection with the murder of 24-year-old Shravan Barve.
Barve’s lifeless body was discovered near the Hanuman Temple in Ambede, Nagargao on Tuesday morning. A postmortem examination confirmed that he had died from violent asphyxia caused by manual neck compression, along with injuries from blunt force trauma, pointing to a brutal attack.
On Friday morning, police detained 15 young men from the village, including several minors, for questioning. The move sparked alarm among residents, who voiced concerns about the treatment and well-being of those in custody. While 12 of the detained youths were released by late evening, police continued to hold three individuals from the same family, including a minor.
Authorities have yet to release specific details about the case or clarify the basis for the continued detention of the three youths, which has only added to the community's anxiety and frustration.
Local leaders have urged law enforcement to ensure transparency and fairness in the investigation, while villagers have called for the immediate release of those still being held, citing lack of clarity and rising tensions in the area.