Demands swift arrests, special probe
Goa Mahila Congress President Pratibha Khalap along with other members visited the residence of victim Shruti and Vivek Shirodkar on Saturday.
MAPUSA
The Goa Mahila Congress, led by Pratibha Khalap, has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the State government demanding the arrest of all those involved in the brutal assault on entrepreneur couple Shruti and Vivek Shirodkar earlier this week in Bastora.
The organisation has also called for the formation of a special investigating committee to probe the incident.
Khalap condemned the failure of the law enforcement authorities, accusing them of allowing lawlessness to prevail.
“Goa is no longer Goa—it has been turned into a banana republic,” she said. “Only three of the accused have been arrested so far. The main accused, Tulshidas Shetye and his son Kartik Shetye, continue to roam free. This is not governance. This is Gundashahi," she added.
Khalap revealed that the attack on the Shirodkars was not only violent but was allegedly backed by individuals who should uphold the law—lawyers and policemen.
“What is most disturbing is that learned individuals—those meant to protect the rule of law—were part of the mob. This emboldens criminal behaviour and fosters impunity,” she said.
The Shirodkars were reportedly threatened when they tried to file a police complaint, and Shruti, who is pregnant, was subjected to particularly vile abuse.
The Mahila Congress leader emphasised the urgent need for justice and accountability.
Khalap was accompanied by senior Mahila Congress leaders including Mollie Da Gama Silva, North Goa District President; Deepa Dhupdale, Vice President of the Mapusa unit; and Babita Naik, Aldona Block President.
“If all the accused are not arrested within 15 days, we will intensify our agitation,” Khalap warned, signaling growing frustration among women’s groups and civil society over the deteriorating law and order situation in the State.
