MARGAO
All eyes are focused on the South Goa district and Sessions Court on Wednesday as it is expected to pronounce judgement in the sensational murder of the two United Tribal Alliance Association UTAA’s activists Manguesh Gaonkar and Deelip Velip in the infamous UTAA agitation on May 25, 2011, at Balli.
The incident had occurred 11 years ago when thousands of UTAA agitators had descended on the National Highway NH 17 at Balli in support of their 12-point Charter of Demands.
Curtains had come down on the trial in the murder case after 11 long years last week with Principal Sessions Judge, Irshad Agha reserving his orders on March 30.
The Central Bureau of Investigation, which was roped in to investigate the case has examined around 67 witnesses in support of its case.
Two tribal youth Manguesh Gaonkar and Deelip Velip were found dead in the Achal cashew factory which was set afire by a mob in retaliation to the violent incidents that occurred on the national highway at Balli following a road blockade by UTAA on May 25.
The two tribal youngsters along with many others had taken shelter in the building to escape the fury of the mob. While many were rescued and evacuated from the building, the duo, who were trapped inside the building was later found dead.
The CBI had later charged a total of 14 persons for the offence of murder of the two deceased youth and setting fire to the building. One of the accused has expired during the pendency of the trial.
Balli village was rocked by violence on May 25, 2011 after agitated tirbals under UTAA banner had clashed with police in support of their 12-point charter of demand, leaving a number of policemen and activists injured and around a dozen government vehicles either torched or damaged.
In retaliation, locals from Balli village directed their ire at the tribals. A strong mob later marched to the building and godown of Adarsh Cooperative Society building headed by UTAA President Prakash Velip and set it on fire. The violent mob also torched around six four-wheelers and some motorcycles.
