PANAJI
Three months after massive protests erupted against ex-RSS Goa chief Subhash Velingkar over defamatory remarks against St Francis Xavier, legal action escalated. Four First Information Reports (FIRs) have been chargesheeted against 154 protestors for the chaos that unfolded at Old Market, Fatorda as the inflammatory remarks by the Hindu leader triggered State-wide unrest.
Former tourism minister Francisco Pacheco, charged with criminal intimidation and several activists and locals are among 154 protestors facing serious charges. Police sources confirmed to The Goan that the investigation teams will file supplementary chargesheet/s against others, who have so far remained unidentified.
Exclusive information accessed by The Goan reveals that Fatorda police have submitted extensive evidence including video and audio recordings, as well as statements of hundreds of witnesses. The Court is expected to issue notices for framing charges.
The first FIR against 519 protestors with 19 identified includes Savio and Pratima Coutinho. According to the chargesheet, protestors blocked NH 66 from 10 am to 11 pm on October 5, 2024 causing massive traffic disruption and public inconvenience. In the suo-motu case filed by the State, the protestors allegedly assaulted a motorcyclist Niyaz Ahmed, and used force against police personnel from performing their lawful duty.
The case saw the arrests of Clive Cardozo (28) and Nevile Fernandes (60) and subsequent bail. While the chargesheet filed on January 2 is against 141 accused persons, sources said the remaining are being identified and included in the supplementary chargesheet.
The second FIR charged Agustinho from Navelim and others with unlawful assembly, wrongful restraint, and assault on Niyaz Ahmed. Chargesheeted just before New Year’s Eve, this case had seen the arrest of two persons.
In the third suo-motu FIR, a viral video captured protestors restraining a scooter rider and a minor school student near SGPDA Market Circle. The chargesheet alleged the accused unknown group of persons failed to ensure the child’s safety – who was sitting pillion and returning from the school with her parent -- while blocking NH 66. Eight individuals are charged, though no arrests have been made.
The fourth FIR accuses Francisco Pacheco and others of obstructing traffic and threatening to kill Velingkar. A viral video, submitted to the Court, shows an altercation with SDPO Quepem Nilesh Rane with chargesheet identifying three accused so far.
“The accused are charged under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Goa Children’s Act, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and The National Highway Act of India,” the source revealed.
