25 devotees, 15 policemen injured; 38 persons booked; dy collector asked to initiate action against 12 for violating bond conditions
A police team attempts to restore order at the Bhumika temple at Poriem-Sattari.
VALPOI
Around 40 persons, including 15 police personnel, were injured when clashes broke out among different groups during the traditional Kalotsav celebration of Bhumika Temple in Poriem-Sattari on Wednesday morning.
Police have registered offences against 38 persons so far and more persons are likely to be booked in the incident. Valpoi police have also written to Sattari Deputy Collector to initiate action against 12 persons who have violated bond conditions by indulging in violence on Wednesday.
Since the last three months, there have been disputes between two rival Mahajan groups – Majik and the Rane-Gaonkar – over rights to conduct rituals at the temple.
The traditional Kalotsav was being celebrated on January 15 and 16, but the Rane-Gaonkar Mahajan group had objected to this celebration and had requested the Sattari Sub Divisional Magistrate not to permit the celebration of the festival.
The SDM had held a hearing and had listened to the views of the Rane-Gaonkar Mahajan groups, but had not taken a decision in the matter.
CLASHES AT FESTIVAL
On Wednesday, the Kalotsav festival began at the Bhumika Temple and when devotees of the Rane-Gaonkar Mahajan groups entered the temple for darshan, they were stopped by the police from entering in large groups fearing a law and order problem.
This led to an argument between the devotees and a large police team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Jivba Dalvi.
A large number of devotees from the Rane-Gaonkar Mahajan groups then staged a protest in the temple premises, demanding that they be given rights in the temple.
Clashes suddenly broke out when stones were pelted on members of the Rane-Gaonkar Mahajan group who were protesting in the temple. Stones were also hurled at the police force, causing injuries to 25 devotees and about 15 police, including Police Inspector Anant Gavkar, who was hit on the head and was later admitted to Goa Medical College Hospital for treatment.
After the clashes started, many devotees fled from the temple premises.
Meanwhile, the injured devotees were moved to the Community Health Centre at Sanquelim, from where two devotees were admitted to the GMC hospital for further treatment.
A larger police force was stationed at the site and the tension subsided at about 2 pm, enabling devotees to worship the deity in the temple.
Meanwhile, both the Gaonkar and Rane Mahajan groups have filed a complaint at the Valpoi police station in the evening.
Later speaking to reporters, members from the Rane-Gaonkar Mahajan groups alleged that some devotees had pelted stones in front of the police and had entered the temple premises with weapons.
They claimed that had the police stopped them from entering the temple premises, the clashes would not have erupted. Accusing the police of being negligent and responsible for the violence at the temple, they demanded that the government launch an investigation in the matter and take action against those involved for the violence in the temple premises.
OFFENCES BOOKED
Valpoi police later registered offences against 38 persons under sections 189(2), 191(2), 191(3), 352, 115(2), 117(2), 118(2), 109, 121(1), 132 r/w 190 BNS. Videos and photos are being analysed to identify other persons involved in the incident.
Valpoi police have also written to Sattari Deputy Collector to initiate action against 12 persons who have violated bond conditions by indulging in violence on Wednesday. These persons had signed bonds on December 18, 2024 that they would not indulge in violence.
