MARGAO
The charge sheet filed by the Maina Curtorim police in the February 19, 2024 incident at Sao Jose de Areal is based on a police complaint lodged by then Salcete Mamlatdar and Executive Magistrate Bhikuk L Gavas.
The complaint has alleged that Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai had arrived at the spot at 11.30 am on February 19, 2024 and proceeded to worship the statue of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj. When he was returning back at 12.15 pm , the locals, who were protesting near the site, blocked his way and demanded that the Minister reply to their queries over the statue.
“When the Minister wanted to proceed towards his vehicle, the agitator blocked his way and started throwing mud and mud stones on the Minister, Police Staffs and other Officials on duty. Thereafter Police staff present started clearing the agitators to make passage for Minister to his vehicle. On seeing the Minister is leaving the site, the agitators blocked his way by sleeping on the ground, While proceeding towards the vehicle the agitators continued to throw mud and mud stones towards the minister, police staff and officials on duty. However the Minister was escorted to his vehicle”, the complaint added.
The complaint further stated that around eight policemen were left injured in the incident.
