Move comes amid criticism of police action in case
MAPUSA
A Mapusa court granted bail to two accused arrested in connection with the assault of anti-noise activist Dr Inacio Fernandes during an Anjuna gram sabha meeting.
The two accused, Gajanan Tilve and Calisto John Fernandes, were granted bail by the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) on Friday, just 12 hours after their arrest on Thursday evening.
The arrests came nearly 10 days after the incident, raising questions about the police’s handling of the case.
The delay in the arrests has sparked allegations of a lack of seriousness in pursuing the case, with some suggesting that the police had been slow to act until public pressure mounted.
The attack occurred on November 24, during a heated gram sabha discussion, in which Dr Fernandes and other villagers raised concerns about adherence to noise pollution regulations.
A video from the meeting showed Tilve charging at Dr Fernandes and hitting him in the presence of police officers.
The delay in the arrests, followed by the quick grant of bail, has led to further criticism.
Some have questioned the police’s commitment to pursuing justice, pointing to the swift release of the accused as evidence of potential complicity.
Local activists and residents have expressed frustration over the handling of the case and called for more accountability from the authorities.
