MAPUSA
The Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Mapusa, has convicted three individuals – including a former sarpanch and current panchayat member of Salvador do Mundo – for assaulting and molesting a woman doctor in connection with a property dispute in Porvorim.
The accused – Vijay Dalvi, Shweta Kandolkar and Shrikant Arlekar – were sentenced to two months’ simple imprisonment by Judge Neelima Kankonkar. Each was also fined Rs 9,000, failing which they will face an additional six months’ simple imprisonment. The sentences will run concurrently.
Additionally, the court ordered the trio to pay Rs 25,000 each as compensation to the victim, Dr Meenakshi Martins. If the compensation is not paid within the stipulated time, an additional Rs 25,000 will be levied. Of the compensation amount, Rs 5,000 from each will be forfeited to the State, the court ruled. The incident dates back to July 30, 2017, when Dr Martins was confronted near the Kadamba Depot in Porvorim, allegedly over a property dispute. The accused reportedly threw chilli powder in her eyes, assaulted her, and molested her. They also damaged her mobile phone, which was being used to record the incident. A formal complaint was lodged on August 1, 2017.
Public Prosecutor Sukesh Talavanekar appeared on behalf of the State, while advocates S Shet and P Gadkar represented the accused. The investigation in the case was conducted by then Sub-Inspector Nikhil Palekar of the Porvorim Police Station.
