VASCO
The Dabolim Airport Police Station has registered an FIR in connection with a face-off between BJP and Congress workers during the arrival of Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge at Dabolim Airport on August 17.
The FIR was registered following a written complaint by Congress worker Archit Shantaram Naik. The case has been registered against Tushar Kelkar and five other persons associated with the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM).
Police have invoked Sections 189(2) and 189(3), read with Section 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, in connection with the incident.
The development assumes significance as the incident occurred barely half a kilometre from the Dabolim Airport Police Station, with BJP and Congress workers coming face-to-face near the airport exit gate shortly after Kharge arrived in Goa.
It may be recalled that tension prevailed at Dabolim Airport on August 17 when BJP Yuva Morcha workers gathered near the airport exit and raised slogans against Kharge. The BJP workers also raised slogans of “Vande Mataram” during their protest over allegations concerning the national song.
Kharge had arrived at Dabolim Airport to attend a Congress programme in Goa and was welcomed by a large gathering of Congress workers and party leaders. As his convoy prepared to leave the airport, the BJP protest reportedly led to Congress workers moving towards the exit area, resulting in a heated face-off between members of both parties.
Police personnel intervened and separated the two groups, ensuring that the situation did not escalate further and that Kharge’s convoy could leave the airport.
The registration of the FIR five days after the incident brings the politically charged confrontation under formal police investigation. The case is expected to focus on the alleged unlawful assembly and conduct of those named in the complaint.
