the goan I network
MAPUSA
Anjuna Police have registered a case against Cleophas Fernandes, also known as Kelfa, a former two-term member of the Arpora-Nagoa panchayat, for allegedly molesting a 23-year-old student and assaulting her friends.
The incident occurred on Monday evening near the Baga-Arpora bridge, where the victim and her friends had gathered for a meal. Kelfa, a known history-sheeter with over 20 cases registered against him, is currently absconding.
The altercation began over a petty parking issue when Kelfa picked a quarrel with one of the male friends of the victim. The situation quickly escalated as Kelfa began to physically assault the male friend. The complainant, attempted to intervene and protect her friend but was met with violence. Kelfa allegedly roughed her up and molested her during the scuffle.
According to police, Kelfa touched her inappropriately on her right-side upper private part and even assaulted her. He then turned his aggression towards victim’s other friends, assaulting them and hurling verbal abuses. The violence continued as Kelfa attacked additional friends, who tried to help.
The Anjuna Police have booked Kelfa under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC): Section 354 (outraging modesty), Section 323 (causing hurt), Section 352 (assault), and Section 504 (verbal abuse).
Despite his extensive criminal record, Kelfa has repeatedly evaded arrest, reportedly due to his connections with an influential politician from Siolim.
This is not Kelfa’s first brush with the law. In 2014, he was booked for assaulting Calangute MLA Michael Lobo at the Arpora market junction. His long history of alleged criminal activities along the coastal belt has raised serious concerns about law enforcement and political interference in the region. PSI Nitesh Shingadi is leading the investigation into the current case.
The police are intensifying efforts to locate and apprehend Kelfa, ensuring that justice is served for the victims involved in this incident.
