In a landmark verdict, the Judicial Mag istrate First Class (JMFC), Margao, on Thursday ac quitted all 22 accused in the long-pending Velim Church attack case of 2012, ending a 13-year le gal ordeal that had deeply impacted the South Goa village. The case, which stemmed from a violent confrontation on February 26, 2012, had shaken the coastal village of Salcete during the run-up to the Goa Assembly elections. The clash erupted after a team of CID officers, in cluding the then PSI Kapil Nayak visited St Xavier’s Church, Velim, late at night to inquire into allegations that the parish priest Fr Romano Gonsalves was in fluencing voters. The visit angered parishioners, who accused the officers of act ing under false pretences. The word spread across Velim and neighbouring villages, with hundreds gathering outside the church in protest. The con frontation escalated into a violent clash, resulting in injuries to police per sonnel, including PSI Nay ak and head constables Krishnanand Rane and Kuldeep Desai.
One of the officers reportedly sustained a skull fracture. PSI Sandeep Kesarkar and other CRPF jawans were also in jured in the attack. Following the incident, Cuncolim Police registered a case against 24 persons under Sections 307 (attempt to mur der), besides Sections 143, 144, 147, 148, 186, 323, 324, 326, 332, 333, 341, 342, 353 read with Section 149 of the IPC at the Cuncolim Police Station. Among them were Fr Romano Gonsalves, the then parish priest of St Xavier’s Church, Velim, and Fr Lucio Dias, the then parish priest of Assolna church. The others named in the chargesheet were Patrick D’Silva, Angelo Afonso, Darwin D’Silva, Agnelo D’Silva, Savio Silva, Nigel Anthony alias Balu Cairo, Nelson alias Baby Cairo, Angelo D’Souza, Marco Bar ros, Adlete Mascarenhas, Louis Fernandes, Max Colaco, Sav io Pereira, Anjelo Fernandes, Atorin Pereira, Altin alias Luis Rebello, Mario Rebello, Tony Rebello and Adolf Fernandes. Initially, Cuncolim Police charged them with attempt to murder, rioting, unlawful assembly and assault on public servants. Fr Gonsalves expired during the course of trial. Over the years, the case became one of South Goa’s most prolonged trials. In 2016, the Margao JMFC dropped the charge of attempt to murder (Section 307 IPC) after determining that the injuries sustained by the police were simple in nature. Al though the State government initially appealed against the order, the appeal was later withdrawn. Subsequently, several other serious sections were also omitted, including Section 333 (causing grievous hurt) and, in September 2025, Section 326 (voluntarily causing hurt with weapons). The remaining charges — including those related to unlawful assembly, assault, and wrongful confinement — continued to be heard before the JMFC. Many of the accused had claimed the charges were fab ricated and that the confrontation arose only after police made an unfounded accusation against the then parish priest. The prolonged proceedings took a heavy toll on their lives, with several unable to obtain passports or over seas employment due to the pending case. Fr Romano Gonsalves, who consistently maintained his innocence, attended court hearings until his death on No vember 14, 2022. He was represented by Adv Pritam Mo raes during the proceedings. The acquittal has been widely welcomed in the village as long-overdue justice. For many, including Fr Lucio, the verdict has finally brought relief after years of uncertainty and stigma. “This is the end of a long and painful chapter for Velim,” said one of the acquitted villagers outside the court. The case, once symbolic of mistrust between authorities and the local community, now concludes with a collective sigh of relief — and remembrance of a night that left a scar on Velim. Reacting to the acquittal, Fr Lucio Dias said that the Velim incident took place in 2012, and today, in 2025 — after a gap of 13 years — justice has finally been delivered. Many were accused without any valid reason, and during this long period, several lost their jobs and faced hardships. He said, “Today, there is joy in our hearts as the case has fi nally come to an end and all the accused have been acquitted of all charges. Justice has been done, though it was delayed for far too long. Many of us suffered greatly during these years; some even thought of going abroad to build a better future but could not, due to unnecessary allegations.” Savio D’Silva, Congress leader said that today, late Fr Romano Gonsalves would have been happy to see justice served. “It was a fake case and sheer harassment for all of us. Fr Romano has finally got justice. May his soul rest in peace,” he said. The case was charge-sheeted in 2015, and during this time, the villagers faced severe hardships. Many youths struggled to renew their passports or obtain police clear ance certificates. “The harassment has finally ended today,” Savio added.
