PORVORIM
Porvorim police registered a non-cognisable offence against former BJP district president Mahanand Asnodkar on charges of threatening social activist Swapnesh Sherlekar over phone on Thursday night.
According to reports, Sherlekar had commented on BJP leaders and activists in his blog on social media while urging the government to support the proposed Tiger Reserve in Goa.
After watching the video, Asnodkar is alleged to have called Sherlekar on Thursday night and abused him by calling him a traitor. An audio clip of the alleged call went viral on social media.
Later at night, Sherlekar, along with his colleagues, filed a complaint against Asnodkar at the Porvorim police station.
On Friday, police called both Sherlekar and Asnodkar to the Porvorim police station and advised them to behave properly with each other.
The incident sparked sharp reactions across the State, with Opposition parties and activists condemning the threat.
Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai demanded the immediate arrest of the caller, especially in light of the recent attack on activist Rama Kankonkar. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao also urged police to provide protection to Sherlekar.
Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira also criticised the BJP, alleging the party is promoting ‘goonda raj’ in Goa, and condemned the threat made to activist Sherlekar. He said the rising intimidation of activists shows an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
