MARGAO
Johnny, however, has denied the allegation of assault on Joseph, terming the allegation as false and baseless.
Joseph told the media at the Hospicio hospital, where he was referred for medical examination by the Margao police after he lodged his complaint that he was campaigning in Dovondem when he was allegedly told by Johnny not to campaign in the area. “When I was campaigning in Dovondem, Johnny along with his supporters abused and restrained me. When I reminded him that it is my right as a candidate, Johnny hit me on my chest and threw my down,” Joseph alleged.
Incidentally, though Joseph had alleged that he was also insulted with a casteist remarke, Margao PI CL Patil told the media that no such allegation has been made by the candidate in his complaint.
Johnny, however, termed the allegation as baseless. “There was no assault on Joseph at all nor did I or any of our supporters insult him with a casteist remark. He was only questioned by some youth from the area why he is contesting the election when he had in the past spoken about retirement from politics after his stint as a councillor,” Johnny said.
PI Patil said a case for restraint, abuse and assault has been registered against Johnny Crasto and further investigation is on.
