TEAM HERALD
VALPOI: Strong police presence ensured that law and order prevailed in Valpoi on Thursday, even as counter-complaints were filed in connection with group clashes that left Gosvansh Raksha Abhiyan (GRA) President Hanumant Parab and six others injured over the issue of bull slaughter late Wednesday evening.
According to Valpoi police, the situation was under control and no untoward incident was reported in and around Valpoi on Thursday.
When contacted, Valpoi PI Ramesh Gaonkar informed that Laxman Joshi of GRA filed a complaint late Wednesday evening against the mob which allegedly assaulted the GRA members.
The case has been registered under Sections 143, 147, 148, 324, 332, 427 and 429 read with 149 IPC, Section 8(A) of Goa Preservation of Animal Act and Section (11) (L) of Prevention to Cruelty to Animal Act.
PI Gaonkar further informed that a counter-complaint has been filed by a woman from Nanus on Thursday afternoon, after she was discharged from Community Health Center Valpoi.
“The case is registered against unknown persons under Sections 143, 147, 447, 296, 504, 354, 427 read with 149 IPC on charges of rioting, trespass, disturbances at religious rites, abuse, molestation and damages with common object,” informed PI Gaonkar.
PI Gaonkar said a strong police force has been stationed at Nanus-Valpoi to keep a strict vigil and the situation is under control.
Meanwhile, Sharafat Khan, the Valpoi Councillor representing Nanus ward, addressed a news conference at Nanus late Thursday evening and termed Wednesday’s incident as “very unfortunate.”
“The incident does not have any link to communal tension. People from all communities live peacefully in harmony without any problem in Valpoi, but some NGOs are trying to disturb peace in the area,” claimed Khan.
“On behalf of people from Nanus, I appeal to all the people from all communities in the State not to take this incident as communal and also appeal to continue to live in peace and harmony as before,” appealed Khan.
