MARGAO
The South Goa Sessions Court on Friday granted interim bail to Meshu D’Costa and four others against whom Sanguem police registered an FIR for allegedly issuing threats and intimidation and obstructing police personnel from discharging their lawful duties. The five persons approached the South Goa Sessions Court with anticipatory bail applications, fearing arrest by Sanguem police in the case.
Additional Sessions Judge-II Sudhir S Shirgaonkar granted interim relief to the applicants and posted the matter for arguments on Monday.
While granting interim bail, the judge directed the applicants to cooperate with the police and attend any place as directed by them. They were also directed not to contact the complainant or witnesses physically, by phone or through any social media platform. They were further told not to threaten the complainant or witnesses, either directly or indirectly.
In the event of arrest, the court directed that applicants be released on interim bail on furnishing a personal bond of Rs 10,000 each and surety of a like amount before the PI, Sanguem Police Station. Appearing for applicant Meshu D’Costa, Adv Spencer Viegas argued that none of the sections under which the case was registered carried a punishment of more than seven years. He further submitted that D’Costa apprehended arrest by Sanguem police and claimed that police personnel were constantly posted outside his house.
Sanguem police had registered a case against D’Costa and co-accused Dattaraj Dessai, a resident of Assolda, Quepem; Adv Viraj Nagekar, a resident of Quepem; Pritesh Curdikar, a resident of Barazan, Sanguem; and others for allegedly assembling at the police station, engaging in an aggressive confrontation with police personnel, issuing threats and intimidation, and obstructing police personnel from discharging their lawful duties.
