Mandrem Murder case
THE GOAN NETWORK
PERNEM
Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar has assured that the State government would offer all possible assistance to the family of late Maria Fernandes of Mandrem.
Deepan Batra (23), a native of Paschim Vihar, Delhi but residing at a Guest House in Sawantwada-Mandrem, has been arrested on charges of the murder of Maria Fernandes (65), after he allegedly drove his car deliberately and fatally knocked her down at Junaswada-Mandrem on February 21.
Arolkar was speaking to reporters after meeting the bereaved family of Fernandes in the presence of former Mandrem sarpanch Minguel Fernandes, local panch member Robert Fernandes and some activists.
“The government is taking all possible action in this case. I am confident that there will be justice to late Maria Fernandes, while all possible help would be provided to the family members,” said Arolkar.
Arolkar said he could not visit the family earlier as he had been out of station.
“I met the family as soon as I returned to Mandrem. I am aware of the kind of help that they need and will discuss this with the government. We will not remain silent in this matter and will continuously follow up the matter with the government and police,” assured Arolkar.
When asked if law and order had deteriorated in Mandrem constituency, Arolkar replied: “If law and order had indeed deteriorated, a case would not have been registered against the accused.”
The Mandrem MLA admitted that crimes have increased in coastal areas due to the growing numbers of non-Goans.
“The population of outsiders is on the rise and many of them try to control the place by bullying the locals. This attitude of outsiders needs to be stopped,” Arolkar added.
