PANAJI
The Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court in Panaji has discharged all the accused in a case linked to the 2021 protest by anganwadi teachers outside the Chief Minister’s official bungalow. The police had registered a case and filed a chargesheet against several people, accusing them of intimidating officers during the protest.
In its order, the court said there was no independent evidence apart from the statements of the officials involved. The court also noted that no medical report was submitted to support the claim that a police officer suffered a bite injury during the incident.
The accused were represented by Aldona MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira, who appeared as senior counsel and argued the matter before the court.
The order brings an end to a case that had continued for nearly five years. The matter arose from the protest by anganwadi teachers who were seeking better working conditions and benefits. By discharging the accused, the court said the prosecution did not show enough grounds to continue the case.
