Stir over failure to arrest assault accused
HERALD NEWS BUREAU
PANJIM, APRIL 28
Quepem Taluka Mining Affected Peoples Front will stage a hunger strike on April 30 in protest against failure on the part of Quepem police to arrest the accused, who allegedly assaulted Herald’s correspondent John Fernandes last week.
This decision was made at the emergency meeting convened by the Front at its office in Quepem on Wednesday.
Aggrieved by the inaction of Quepem police to act against Eupociano Pereira and Soccoro D’Costa, the Front members have decided to sit for a day-long hunger strike in front of the Quepem police station from 9 am to 5 pm demanding arrest of the duo and justice to John Fernandes. They have appealed to all the mining affected people of Quepem to join the hunger strike.
It may be recalled that the Front on April 26 had submitted a memorandum to Quepem police inspector demanding action against Eupociano Pereira and Soccoro D’Costa within 48 hours, failing which the Front had warned that they will agitate in front of Quepem police station. The deadline expired on Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile in a press note, Front Convenor Adv Fredrek Pereira stated that the offence of attacking at the police station is serious and cannot be taken lightly.
“However, bowing down to the pressure of the Front, Quepem police headed by Sudesh Narvekar booked the duo under Section 107 of CrPC (chapter case) and that too without arresting the duo,” stated Adv Pereira.
“This is just eyewash to pacify us,” stated Adv Pereira.
