Merces activist Michael Dias who had first exposed the land filling activity of khazan field at Morombi-O-Pequeno was allegedly assaulted on the night of Christmas, after the midnight Mass got over.
According to information available with The Goan, Freddy Joao is alleged to have forcibly sat on Dias’ bike and took him to Gaunchem Bhat where two former Merces panchas joined.
Freddy Joao is alleged to have assaulted Dias with multiple blows on his head in the presence of the two former panchas.
The accused then let Dias go, but not before threatening to kill Dias and his family.
Dias, who was rattled by the incident, did not report the matter to the police on that night.
However on Sunday morning, Dias accompanied by other activists and locals filed a complaint with the Old Goa police.
Acting on a police complaint from Dias, Old Goa police have arrested Freddy Joao of Gaunchem Bhat-Merces under Sections 341, 504, 506 (ii) and 323 IPC.
Notably, members of the Khazan Society of Goa (KSG) had met with IGP Omvir Singh over the attack on Monday afternoon.
