SANGUEM
Sanguem JMFC Manashree M Naik granted bail to Goa Forward Party leaders Meshu Dcosta and Dattaraj Raut Dessai in a case involving alleged threats, obstruction and improper conduct towards Sanguem police personnel while on duty.
In her order, Naik noted procedural lapses and said the investigating team failed to justify custodial arrest. The accused, represented by advocate P Gaonkar, face charges under Sections 132, 221, 351 and 189 read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Public Prosecutor T Gurav appeared for the State.
The court noted that the investigating officer had copied the reply earlier submitted before the District and Sessions Court, changing only the cause title. It observed that notices under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 had already been issued. Any subsequent arrest therefore required fresh, exceptional circumstances to be recorded under Sections 35(5) and 35(6). The police provided no new grounds for custody.
The court held that the police concerns could be addressed through conditions and granted bail. The accused must furnish a personal bond of Rs 20,000 each with one local surety of the same amount, report to Sanguem Police Station daily from 9 am to 1 pm for eight days, cooperate with the investigation, provide contact details of two blood relatives, and not tamper with evidence or commit similar offences.
Meanwhile, the Sanguem police inspector said police personnel are public servants and urged those with grievances to approach senior authorities through proper channels. He appealed to citizens to maintain decorum at police stations and avoid arrogant or inappropriate language.
He said citizens have every right to raise grievances, but should do so respectfully and through lawful procedures.
