Mandrem : A wave of outrage swept through Mandrm as hundreds of furious citizens stormed the local police station after learning that Deepan Raju Batra (23, Delhi), the primary suspect in the brutal killing of 70-year-old Mary Feliz Fernandes, was allegedly being transported in a private vehicle.
The enraged crowd intercepted the police convoy, forcing authorities to bring the accused back to the station. Accusations of police leniency and preferential treatment fueled the mob’s anger, raising serious concerns about justice in the case.
As news of the incident spread, villagers gathered in large numbers, vehemently opposing the perceived mishandling of the case. The citizens blocked police vehicles and chanted slogans condemning the authorities for their alleged leniency. Leaders, including Sarpanch Rajesh Manjrekar, former Sarpanch Prashant Naik, and Panchkiran Sawant, stood in solidarity with the protesters, demanding fair treatment and accountability.
Frustrated locals expressed their deep distrust in the police, alleging that outsiders are committing crimes without fear while law enforcement treats them with undue respect. Many warned that failure to take strict action against the accused could escalate the situation into a larger protest. They demanded swift and transparent justice, emphasizing that their patience was wearing thin.
Attempting to calm tensions, Police Inspector Sharif Jaquis addressed the crowd, clarifying that the accused had been kept in the Pernem police lockup due to inadequate facilities at the Mandrem station. He assured the public that the investigation was progressing without bias and urged cooperation from the villagers. The inspector reiterated the police’s commitment to gathering strong evidence and ensuring justice for the victim’s family.
Despite the police’s reassurances, the villagers remained steadfast in their demand for justice. A meeting was convened where community members vowed to intensify their protests if decisive action was not taken.
They called for the strictest punishment for the accused and support for the victim’s grieving family.
A case has been registered against Deepan Batra under Sections 103 and 281 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 2023.
He remains in police custody and is set to be presented in court after his remand ends on Tuesday. The local community and Fernandes’ family eagerly await further legal proceedings, urging authorities to ensure a fair and transparent judicial process.