PORVORIM
A Goa Police team was attacked by an armed mob in Alirajpur district of Madhya Pradesh while escorting an accused involved in major burglary cases in Goa to a court for transit remand.
The police team, however, managed to secure the custody of 38-year-old Hirasingh Bamniya, who was arrested in connection with multiple high-value housebreaking cases in the State, and brought him to Goa.
THE BURGLARIES
A resident had filed a police complaint on January 23 stating that his flat at Devashri Greens, Porvorim, was burgled sometime between January 6 and January 22. Gold ornaments and cash worth approximately Rs 6 lakh had been stolen from his flat. Porvorim police registered a case in this connection.
Mapusa police had also registered a case in connection with a burglary at two flats in Prudential Palms, Mapusa. While jewellery worth Rs 12 lakh had been stolen from one flat, gold ornaments worth Rs 23 lakhs were stolen from the other flat.
THE ARREST
During investigations, police found out that the accused involved in the two cases are residents of Alirajpur District, Madhya Pradesh. A team from the Porvorim and Mapusa police station was deputed to Madhya Pradesh for further investigation.
The team coordinated with the SP of Alirajpur District, and the Bori Police Station. Thereafter, with the assistance of local police staff, the Goa Police team proceeded to Bahadiya village on Thursday.
The main accused and gang leader, Hirasingh Bamniya tried to escape but the Goa Police team nabbed him after a 1-km chase through a jungle area.
Police said the accused, along with his associates, is involved in multiple theft cases involving large amounts of cash and gold across various parts of India and is a habitual offender.
THE ATTACK
PORVORIM: As the arrest formalities were completed at the Bori police station, the Goa Police team proceeded to the JMFC Jobat Court, about 20 kms from the Bori Police Station, to obtain a transit remand.
While the accused was being taken to the JMFC Jobat Court under police escort along with an ASI of Bori Police Station, the police vehicle was allegedly intercepted and attacked by a mob armed with weapons such as koitas and dandas, in an unsuccessful attempt to forcibly free the accused. The police vehicle sustained damage during the incident.
The police team sustained minor injuries, but retaliated and managed to keep the accused in custody. They safely moved away from the spot until local police reinforcements arrived.
Thereafter, adequate police protection was provided by Madhya Pradesh Police, ensuring the safety of the Goa Police team.
The Goa Police team along with the accused arrived in the State by a flight on Friday afternoon. The accused was taken to the Porvorim police station, where he was formally arrested.
The Goa Police has commended the courage and bravery displayed by its police team and also appreciated the prompt assistance and cooperation extended by the Madhya Pradesh Police in the matter.
Bamniya has been remanded to 10 days in police custody after being produced before a JMFC court in Mapusa.
