HC interim relief for Anjuna deputy sarpanch
THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
Anjuna Deputy Sarpanch Savio Almeida got a temporary reprieve on Thursday after the High Court of Bombay at Goa admitted his bail application and granted him interim relief until his bail hearing comes up for hearing.
Later in the evening, he went to the Anjuna Panchayat and attended some pending work in the office.
Almeida has been named as one of the suspects allegedly involved in the daring Anjuna shoot-out against former panch and activist, Surendra Govekar.
“We moved a bail application before the HC in the morning. The court has issued notice to the State Public Prosecutor returnable by May 23,” said Kapil Kerkar, lawyer representing Almeida.
Meanwhile, the High Court has directed the State not to take any coercive steps against the suspect, Almeida.
The High Court has also directed Almeida to be present before the investigating officer on May 16, at 10 am for investigation in the shoot-out case. Almeida should also make himself available for investigation, as and when required by the IO, the court further said.
Soon after getting the court relief, Almeida went to the Anjuna Panchayat office in the evening after almost a month’s time.
“I have nothing to hide. I will meet the investigation officer and cooperate in the investigation. Vested interests are trying to frame me,” said Almeida told The Goan on the phone.
On Wednesday, the Additional Sessions Court, Mapusa, had rejected the anticipatory bail application of Almeida.
It may be recalled that two assailants had fired at the car in which former panch and activist, Surendra Govekar was travelling on April 11. He was returning home after attending a hearing in the High Court against some illegal project in Anjuna.
Govekar had named two suspects in the firing incident - Mehfil Bar and Restaurant, owner, Gajendra Singh alias Chottu, who was arrested and is now free on bail and Anjuna Deputy Sarpanch, Savio Ameida.
