PORVORIM
There has been widespread public anger after visuals of two tourists from Nasik-Maharashtra allegedly assaulting a car driver with helmets and fists at Sangolda on Thursday went viral on social media.
The two tourists, Faiz Sheikh and Arkan Sheikh, have been arrested in this connection while the car driver Savlaram Salgaonkar (43) of Badem-Assagao has been admitted in the Goa Medical hospital for treatment.
Saligao police said the incident occurred when the car struck the rent-a-bike on the road near the near the Mahindra showroom at Sangolda.
The two accused then parked a scooter in front of the car and allegedly began assaulting Salgaonkar with helmets and fists, causing him head injuries.
The victim, was first moved to St Anthony Hospital at Anjuna, from where he was shifted to the District Hospital at Mapusa for further treatment. The victim was later referred to the GMC hospital at Bambolim for a CT scan, from where he was discharged after medical treatment.
Acting on a police complaint by Salgaonkar’s relative, Rohidas Phadte from Sorantowado-Anjuna, Saligao police contacted the owner of the scooter, who informed that he had given his two-wheeler on rent to a tourist staying at Baga.
Subsequently, PSI Dishan Naik, with the help of the scooter owner, traced both tourists and took them to the Saligao police station.
Saligao police later arrested both accused under Sections 126(2), 118(1), 324(3) read with 3(5) of BNS in the wee hours of Friday.
Both the accused were produced before a Judicial Magistrate First Class at Mapusa on Friday and were remanded to four days in police custody for investigation. Saligao PSI Dishan Naik is conducting investigation in the matter.
ANGRY REACTIONS
Visuals of the two tourists assaulting Salgaonkar went viral on social media, sparking off angry reactions.
“They should be charged with attempting to murder, coz hitting a person with a helmet on the head is as good as an attempt to murder,” was a reaction of one person on X.
Added another person: “Such tourists need to be taught a lesson. Attempt to murder charge should be put on them as they clearly had an intent to kill.”
Another social media user added: “It's is horrendous killer attack, why this much anger for a road fight? Are they here to kill people?”
KHAUTNE SPEAKS TO CM
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has also denounced the act by two tourists at Sangolda, stating that tourists must act responsibly and that, such incidents will not be tolerated.
Khaunte told reporters that he had also spoken to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in this regard.
“Goa wants quality tourists and tourists who behaves irresponsibly were not welcome. What happened in Sangolda was wrong. If the tourists were hurt, they should have complained to the police and they had no right to take law in their hands. The way tourists reacted needs to be condemned,” said Khaunte.
“Tourists must act responsibly and we will not tolerate such incidents. I have spoken to the CM and have asked for strict action.”
