VASCO
A family was allegedly attacked by a group of miscreants armed with knives, rods and stones in Zuarinagar, Sancoale, on Friday night, leaving several members injured and their house damaged. One of the victims sustained a knife injury to the neck, while women and other family members were also allegedly assaulted.
Ward panch member and former Sancoale sarpanch Girish Pillai rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident. The injured were initially taken to Cansaulim Hospital and later shifted to Margao District Hospital for further treatment.
According to the family, the incident occurred after they returned home following the Durga Puja visarjan and parked their vehicles on the road outside their house. A group of persons allegedly approached them, claiming that the parked vehicles were obstructing their movement, despite the road being open.
The argument reportedly escalated when family members approached the group to enquire about the objection. The group allegedly hurled abuses and attacked them with rods, bottles and stones. The situation turned violent as more family members arrived, with knives allegedly being used during the assault.
The family claimed that a group of local residents frequently gathered at an isolated spot surrounded by thick vegetation to consume alcohol and ganja. They alleged that residents had repeatedly complained about the nuisance and harassment but that their grievances had gone unaddressed.
According to the family, minor disputes and instances of harassment had become frequent, but Friday night's incident marked a serious escalation. They also alleged that some of those involved were influential and possibly politically connected, raising concerns over the lack of police action.
Pillai demanded strict action against those responsible and called for their immediate arrest. He urged the Verna police to intensify patrolling in the area to prevent further incidents and ensure residents' safety.
Zilla Panchayat member Sunil Gawas said he would personally take up the matter with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. He alleged that the harassment had gone out of control and created fear among residents.
Gawas also expressed concern over recurring law-and-order incidents in Zuarinagar, claiming that residents were increasingly feeling unsafe. He called for urgent intervention to restore security and prevent further violence.
