Holi revelry leads to damage to Porvorim fountain
THE GOAN NETWORK
SALIGAO
The fountain made operational opposite the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) barely a month ago was damaged on Thursday. Two youth were later arrested in this connection.
Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte along with Porvorim police visited the site opposite the IHM, which was damaged on Thursday.
According to police, the hostel warden and security guard were summoned by the police for interrogation and both gave different versions.
While the warden claimed the IHM students were not involved in the incident, the security guard on duty stated that the students had entered the IHM premises after playing Holi in the fountain.
The IHM administrative officer, however, appeared before the police stating that he was not well and doctor had advised him bed rest.
Khaunte told Porvorim PSI S Mhajik that the fountain had been built with financial assistance of a corporate at a cost of around Rs 7 lakh, as part of the beautification drive in Porvorim.
“The fountain was made functional barely a month ago. The miscreants jumped into the fountain and damaged the pipeline and removed the parts,” said Khaunte.
“The police should also find out the parts stolen from the fountain and assess the damage done. An offence of theft should also be registered against the culprits. Unless police takes stern action against the culprits, such incidents will continue to happen,” Khaunte added.
Later, two youth, Jai Harish Srivastava and Vishal Agarwal, were arrested in this connection.
In a police complaint, Mukund Priolker said he was proceeding toward Vidhyaprabhodini from Gouri petrol pump on March 24, when he noticed some unknown youth creating a nuisance in the water fountain.
Acting on his complaint, Porvorim police later arrested Srivastava and Agarwal under Section 3 of PDPP Act. They were later released on bail.
Porvorim PI Rajesh Kumar has stated that the police has issued a letter to the IHM management requesting CCTV footage for further police investigations.
“On receipt of the CCTV footage, further action will be taken,” said PI Kumar.
