ANJUNA: Outraged by the tragic demise of 57-year-old Remedia Mary Albuquerque, locals from Vagator and Anjuna marched to the Anjuna Police station on Monday, demanding stringent action against the SUV driver responsible for the fatal accident.
The fervent demand included calls for intensified patrolling, particularly targeting drinking and driving, especially in areas surrounding clubs, pubs, bars, and restaurants. They also urged tourists to respect the rules and not adhere to the misconception that “anything goes” in Goa.
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This was a shocking replay of the incident involving the killer Mercedes at Banastarim on August 7 when a Mercedes SUV registered in the name of Meghana Sawardekar; and reportedly driven by her husband, Paresh Sawardekar, a prominent builder, mowed down three people to death at Banastarim.
The Vagator incident unfolded as Sachin Kurup, the owner of the SUV, lost control of the vehicle, causing it to plough into the La Maior Roma Resort at Vagator in Anjuna. The SUV, weighing two tons and bearing a Haryana registration number, crashed into the hotel’s reception area, tragically claiming the life of Remedia Mary Albuquerque. Additionally, two of her staff members, Shiv Mangal Dindo, 22, and Rupa Paras, 31, sustained injuries in the mishap while attending to duties at the reception counter.
According to the police report, Kurup had visited the resort to meet a friend when the tragic accident occurred. Anjuna police are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
The locals also demanded an inquiry into a Russian woman, who took away a black bag from the car after the accident, and what were the contents in it.
According to them, the bag was taken away despite a police constable being there at the spot. When confronted, he said that he did not have any powers to prevent the lady from taking away the bag.
The locals however reminded him that he had the powers to restrain the woman from taking away the bag because she was not connected to the vehicle. There could have been a mobile phone or any other incriminating item, which could have been presented as evidence during the trial.
They also demanded proper investigation especially, regarding narcotics and alcohol.
When contacted, the PI of Anjuna police station said that the constable was from the PCR van and did not have the right to touch the bag. But, then the woman also did not have the right to touch the bag either.
However, due to public pressure, the woman was later summoned with the bag, but found “there was nothing incriminating in it”. The villagers however alleged that the woman must have emptied the bag somewhere.
The police registered an offence under Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code and arrested the accused Sachin Kurup. Sources informed that the accused was subjected to a medical test for consumption of alcohol and drugs and the report will reveal the quantity of alcohol consumed. Anjuna police are investigating the case.
Villagers said that the deceased was on a phone call when this vehicle in a negligent manner went almost 50 meters off the road.
Meanwhile, the drunken driver, who is at the police station, was seen creating a ruckus by screaming that he wants to end his life. While the reason for his screaming is not known, it could be due to withdrawal symptoms.
SUV driver sent to 4 days police custody
PANJIM: The Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) driver Sachin Venu Gopal Kurup, who was arrested by the Anjuna Police for allegedly driving his car in a reckless and neg-ligent manner into the premises of La Maior Roma Resort and for crushing to death the resort owner 57-year-old Remedia Mary Albuquerque and injuring two other resort staff, was sent to four days police custody on Monday.
According to Anjuna Police Station Police Inspector Prashal Dessai, the accused was produced before Judicial Magistrate Mapusa which sent the accused to four days police custody.
Meanwhile, Mapusa Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Jivba Dalvi said the bag was checked and ‘nothing’ was found in that.
“We have also collected blood samples for alcohol and drugs. The report is awaited. Further action will be taken once the report is received,” he told O Heraldo.
Another accident victim in GMC ICU
PANJIM: A 22-year-old from Sangolda, who was seriously injured in a hit-and-run case on Diwali eve is battling for her life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Bambolim.
The victim, Ayushi Korgaonkar, was thrown off when the two-wheeler on which she was riding pillion collided against another unidentified bike near Mandovi Bridge on Saturday night. After the collision, the unknown rider fled from the spot without rendering medical assistance to the victim.
Ayushi was immediately rushed to the GMC and Hospital, where it was revealed that she had suffered injury to her skull, and is undergoing treatment in the ICU.
The police have registered a case against the unidentified two-wheeler rider and are conducting further investigations.
Man dies in horrific accident at Bicholim
BICHOLIM: A 50-year-old man from Bordem-Bicholim was killed on the spot in horrific accident between a two-wheeler and a private bus at Valshi-Bicholim on Monday evening.
The police gave the name of the victim as Anand Naik. The accident occurred when Naik was proceeding on his two-wheeler from Bordem to Valshi while the Mapusa-Valpoi bus was coming in the opposite direction.
The Bicholim police conducted the panchanama and sent the body to the hospital for autopsy.
