TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: A day after two persons were attacked outside a Panjim pub, Panjim police say they have a strong case against the attempted murder accused Zaine Keith Almeida as nearly 15 eyewitnesses have testified corroborating the complainant’s account of the dastardly attack. The investigation which is being conducted on a war footing, will also probe whether the assault was pre-planned.
Raju Sarin and Rafael Peregrino da Costa, residents of Altinho and Campal respectively suffered serious wounds to their face and neck after the vicious attack outside Down The Road pub at around 5.40 am on Sunday.
“We have recorded statements of about 14-15 eyewitnesses who were partying in the pub after the Easter midnight mass. Their testimonies are crucial as it makes a strong case against the attacker,” Inspector Rajendra Prabhudesai revealed.
The duo’s statements will be recorded after doctor’s consent is obtained. While Raju’s statement is expected to be recorded on Tuesday, the officer said there could be delay in the case of Rafael who has undergone eye surgery.
The exact motive of the attack was however not disclosed to the media, with police only claiming it was a result of verbal spat between the trio, who are allegedly frequent visitors to the pub.
It is learnt that inappropriate remark on Zaine’s female friend triggered the fight. Zaine, 23, has been remanded to seven days police custody for custodial interrogation. “Prima facie, there are no cases against the accused other than the present criminal charges though we have sought details from other police stations… the weapon is yet to be recovered,” he added.
According to complainant Sumesh Kuhkhat, the alleged attacker removed a sword from his Swift car boot while the young woman was seated inside the car, and stabbed the two victims. Blood stains on the road were collected for forensic examination during panchanama.
Prabhudesai said the police are investigating whether the attack was pre-planned because the sword, which was used in the attack, was already in the car boot. Though the incident occurred outside the pub, police are also relying on the CCTV footage from the pub.
