TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
CALANGUTE: Calangute Police arrested 11 persons in connection with the assault on three locals in the restaurant premises at Naikka Vaddo, Calangute on Wednesday night, even as several political leaders have demanded immediate closure of the restaurant.
Calangute Police have identified the accused as Abhishek Mishra, Himanshu Mahendra, Tushar Aryal, Raju Sharma, Umakant Mishra, Nishant Vasant, Ravendra Kumar, Brijesh Prajapathy, Ashok Negi, Sanju Mishra and Nishendra Mishra. All the accused have been remanded to six days police custody.
It may be recalled that the restaurant owners mercilessly assaulted the three locals in front of their restaurant, which infuriated the locals who gathered around the restaurant and stoned the restaurant premises.
Meanwhile, various political leaders have condemned the incident and demanded immediate closure of the restaurant to avoid any such incidents in future.
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo said he has spoken to the Deputy Collector and other government authorities to urgently seek closure of the restaurant which has been a cause of concern for locals and public.
“When the Calangute Panchayat denied permission to the restaurant, the owners approached the Directorate of Panchayat and brought a stay on the panchayat order and the activities continued. I have impressed upon the government authorities to immediately pursue the matter so the restaurant is permanently shut,” said Lobo.
Joseph Sequeira said, “When the locals raised their concern over illegal activities, we immediately resolved to shut down the premises, but the Directorate of Panchayat stayed the order and the owners carried on with the business. The Calangute Panchayat is for closure of the restaurant immediately.”
When contacted, former Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes said there have been spates of such incidents, where locals have been beaten up besides prostitution activities within the premises of the restaurant.
“Various other illegal activities are also going on in the restaurant which is open for 24 hours. It’s high time the authorities shut down the restaurant in interest of the general public and peace in the vicinity,” demanded Fernandes.
The locals have also demanded closure of the restaurant.
Meanwhile, the Goa Police team armed with weapons are guarding the restaurant premises at Naikka Vaddo.
