SANGUEM
An incident of road-rage linking the son of Cumbharjua MLA Rajesh Faldesai and two others of allegedly abusing and threatening a family in Curchorem has sparked public outrage. According to reports, the incident occurred near the Shivaji statue area of Pontemol-Curchorem on Saturday when a woman, her two minor children, and her 70-year-old father-in-law were travelling from Margao towards Curchorem. The dispute began when the woman reportedly honked to request the vehicle ahead to clear the path. Following this, the MLA’s son and two accompanying occupants are alleged to have chased the family's vehicle, hurled verbal abuse and issued threats. The incident went viral on media, sparking angry reactions from politicians and people alike. The father-in-law later filed a complaint at the Curchorem police stating that the son of Cumbharjua MLA Rajesh Faldesai, and some others allegedly abused, and threatened him and his family members during an incident on September 26. Curchorem PI Melson Colaco confirmed that a police complaint had been filed and informed that police are currently conducting further investigations. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has taken serious note of the matter and ordered an immediate and thorough investigation to examine all facts and police actions, promising strict action against any wrongdoing.
Congress leader Amit Patkar raised serious allegations against Cumbarjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai’s son regarding the incident. He also questioned the police response, alleging delays in registering the case. Curchorem Front along with Curchorem locals submitted a memorandum to Curchorem PI Melson Colaco, and demanded strict action against the accused. Commenting on the incident, Curchorem Front leader and social activist Dattaraj Gauns Dessai criticised the alleged attempt to abuse and threaten a senior citizen. “The incident cannot be taken lightly, as there is a possibility that the persons involved may have come to the spot with a pre-planned intention to carry out such an attack. Authorities must conduct a thorough inquiry and ascertain the facts,” said Dessai. Speaking further, Dessai demanded that the MLA’s son tender an apology to the senior citizen, which, he said, the victim should accept if offered.
Another citizen, Damodar Naik, while commenting on the ongoing law-and-order situation in Goa, alleged that the government had failed in its duty and claimed that the incident was an outcome of this failure.
Police launch preliminary inquiry
South Goa district police chief SP Akshat Ayush on Monday said the police have initiated a preliminary inquiry into the Curchorem road rage incident. He said police are also proceeding against the persons concerned by issuing a challan under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Responding to questions and prompted Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to state that the government had initiated action, the SP, South, said Curchorem police had initiated a preliminary inquiry under Section 173. “While the concerned persons will be challaned under the Motor Vehicles Act, we are also examining the criminal element in the case,” he told the media.
