VOICING ANGER: Protesters outside the Mapusa Police Station during a candlelight march on Sunday evening.
MAPUSA
The flicker of candles illuminated the streets of Mapusa on Sunday evening as residents, youth and community leaders came together in a solemn show of solidarity for 22-year-old Samuel Braganza, whose death has sparked outrage, grief and calls for accountability across Goa.
What began as a peaceful candlelight march soon transformed into a collective expression of sorrow and anger outside the Mapusa Police Station, where protesters demanded justice for the young man and sought action against those they believe failed him in his final days.
Carrying candles and placards, participants walked quietly through the town before gathering at the police station, where they called for the suspension of police officers involved in the investigation and demanded that the case be handed over to the Crime Branch.
For many present, the march was not merely about seeking answers to Samuel's death but about highlighting the emotional toll that public humiliation, social media exposure and institutional action can have on an individual.
"The whole of Goa knows what Samuel underwent," said Jitesh Kamat, a resident of Mapusa and president of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray). "What disturbs us even more is the manner in which the family was treated. Before filing an FIR, a preliminary inquiry is usually conducted. What did that inquiry reveal? Was this such a grave offence that it warranted the action that followed?" he asked.
Kamat questioned whether the response to the alleged offence was proportionate and pointed to the post-mortem findings that reportedly recorded an injury on Samuel's body.
He demanded that officers involved in the investigation, including senior officials, be suspended pending a fair inquiry.
Several speakers also reflected on the role of media and social media in amplifying the episode. Protesters expressed concern over the circulation of videos and images that allegedly exposed the young man's identity, arguing that greater sensitivity should have been exercised.
A neighbour of the deceased, Vijay Bhike, remembered him as a quiet and respectful young man.
"He was a cool and sensible boy who never interfered in anyone's affairs. The police, municipality and media all failed him. We have lost a young life. No family should have to go through this,” Bhike said.
Others echoed similar sentiments, describing Samuel as a victim of circumstances that spiralled beyond control.
Youth Congress leader Naushad Chowdhary demanded strict action against the officers involved and criticised media platforms that allegedly published videos without concealing Samuel's identity.
As speaker after speaker addressed the gathering, a common theme emerged: the belief that a young man had been subjected to immense emotional trauma in the days leading up to his death.
The most poignant testimony came from Samuel's sister, who spoke about her brother through tears.
Describing him as a reserved and soft-spoken young individual, she said he preferred to keep to himself and never sought conflict with anyone.
She alleged that both Samuel and the family were subjected to humiliation during the course of the police inquiry and appealed for justice on behalf of her late brother.
For those gathered, the march was not only a tribute to a life cut short but also a reminder of the consequences that public shaming, social media exposure and institutional actions can have on vulnerable individuals.
The evening ended peacefully, but the questions raised by the protesters remained unresolved.
For Samuel's family, neighbours and friends, the search for answers and justice continues.
