the goan I network
MAPUSA
The notorious alleged Israeli drug dealer, Yaniv Benaim alias Atala, who has by now made Goa his home, is back in news and for wrong reasons.
Atala has been arrested by the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) while trying to sneak into Nepal, even as a team of Goa Police is on its way to get him back in the State.
Police were looking out for him for his involvement in a recent assault case in Anjuna village.
According to Anjuna police, an offence was registered against Atala on April 24 for assaulting a Russian national, Edward, with a knife.
Two of Atala’s friends also joined him and assaulted the Russian with iron rods, police further said.
The Russian has been admitted at the Goa Medical College hospital, where he is undergoing treatment.
According to a police source, Atala’s girlfriend was allegedly having an affair with the Russian, which infuriated Atala and led to the attack.
Soon after the attack, Atala moved for anticipatory bail but failed to get any interim relief, even as the bail hearing was kept pending.
Police were trying to nab him but he remained elusive.
“We had relayed messages about Atala’s disappearance to all police stations in the country. Yesterday, we received a message from the Jharkhand Police stating that one Atala was caught by Indo-Tibetan Border Police,” said Mapusa DySP Gajanan Prabhudessai.
“He was trying to cross and go to Nepal. He has been arrested for overstay and has
