MAPUSA
The Mapusa Sessions Court has rejected the anticipatory bail application filed by alleged accused and a resident of Aldona, Melwyn Fernandes, in connection with an assault case reported in Aldona on April 4.
The court took into consideration the antecedents of the accused, the gravity of the allegations and the subsequent addition of an attempt-to-murder charge.
The court, while refusing relief to Fernandes, noted the seriousness of the allegations and the stage of the investigation, with police yet to recover the weapons allegedly used in the attack.
According to the case, an assault was reported in Aldona on April 4, following which police initiated an investigation into the incident. The case subsequently took a more serious turn with the registration of an attempt-to-murder offence in connection with the alleged attack.
Fernandes subsequently approached the Sessions Court seeking anticipatory bail, apprehending arrest in the case.
The prosecution opposed the bail plea, pointing to the seriousness of the allegations and the requirement of further investigation.
Police also submitted that the weapons allegedly used in the assault had not yet been recovered.
The court, after considering the material placed before it, rejected Fernandes' plea for pre-arrest protection. The antecedents attributed to the accused were also taken into consideration while deciding the application.
The recovery of the weapons and further questioning of those allegedly involved are expected to form part of the ongoing investigation.
Police are also continuing efforts to trace other persons allegedly involved in the incident, who are reportedly absconding.
