MAPUSA
In a disturbing incident, a senior citizen and his son, Mevilton Theodore, were brutally attacked in Chivar, Anjuna, over a property dispute.
Police have arrested two men – Digambar Salkar (54) and Akhil Tekkekar (33), both residents of Mapusa – on charges of attempted murder, with further arrests likely as investigations proceed.
A Mapusa court has remanded the duo to seven days police custody.
According to Mevilton's mother, Maria Theodore, her husband and son were attacked by around 20 individuals wielding wooden rafters and stones.
She claims the attackers included bouncers hired by a man who appeared last year, claiming ownership of the property that she inherited and where her family has lived for over 57 years.
“This person came with bouncers and brutally beat my son and husband. This is a very serious issue, and I demand justice,” Maria said, urging authorities to address the involvement of “goons” in illegal property activities.
Maria added that this was not the first time her family faced threats. She had previously lodged complaints with the police, seeking protection against what she described as attempts to seize her property.
In response, North Goa Superintendent of Police (SP) Akshat Kaushal clarified that the incident stemmed from a clash between two groups over the property dispute.
“On the complaint of Mevilton Theodore, we have registered an offence against Bruno D’Souza (92) and others under Sections 189 (1), 191 (2), 109, and 190 of the BNS Act. Last evening, two individuals were arrested,” Kaushal stated.
He added that Salkar, one of the accused, admitted to being a friend of Bruno D’Souza, who allegedly asked him to mediate in the dispute.
Both Mevilton and his father sustained serious injuries and were initially treated at Goa Medical College before being transferred to Manipal Hospital.
Police have also received a cross-complaint from Bruno D’Souza, based on which a cross FIR has been filed.
The SP assured that all parties involved in the assault are being identified and questioned.
He stated that, so far, the police have not found any evidence of bouncers being involved in the attack.
“There is no role of bouncers so far but we are investigating the matter thoroughly,” he said.
He also noted that while both sides are claiming ownership, the court will ultimately decide the legal status of the property.
