Family warns of protest outside police station
A person who was injured in violent clashes between two Romtamel groups during the Shigmo festival at Valpoi on March 16 has accused 15 individuals of the rival group of attempting to kill him and issuing death threats.
Sanket Naik and two others were injured in the group clashes and while they were initially admitted to the Valpoi Government Hospital, Naik was later shifted to Goa Medical College hospital for further treatment.
On Wednesday night, Sanket Naik approached the Valpoi Police Station and filed a formal complaint. His family members accompanied him and demanded that a case of attempt to murder and criminal intimidation (death threats) be registered against around 15 accused persons.
They also warned that they would stage a protest outside the police station if strict action is not taken.
Naik also informed reporters that members of the same group had earlier threatened him during the Shigmo festival in Sanquelim.
In his police complaint, Naik has named 15 individuals, alleging that they attempted to kill him and issued death threats. He has demanded strict legal action against them and urged authorities to bar such violent individuals from participating in Shigmo festivals anywhere in Goa.
Speaking about the incident, Naik stated that no one came forward to rescue him during the assault. While police made some efforts, the situation remained uncontrolled for some time. He further alleged that he was attacked again while being taken to the hospital. He suffered head injuries, bleeding, and multiple injuries across his body.
Reacting to the incident, his family described the matter as extremely serious. They reiterated that prior threats were issued in Sanquelim and were later carried out in Valpoi. Though Naik survived, they termed the attack brutal and unacceptable. They warned that any negligence by the police would lead to a protest outside the Valpoi Police Station.
Expressing faith in the police, the family hoped for strict action against the accused. They also condemned attempts to disturb peace in areas like Valpoi.
