VALPOI
In a case that has sparked widespread concern across Goa, the Valpoi First Class Judicial Magistrate Court has granted conditional bail to four teachers of Deep Vihar Higher Secondary School, Vasco, and two tour operators arrested in connection with the drowning death of 17-year-old student Rahul Bind at the Tonir–Kajredyat waterfall.
The six accused were arrested by Valpoi Police on Saturday and produced before the court. While granting bail, the court directed them to cooperate with the ongoing investigation, refrain from tampering with evidence and appear at the Valpoi Police Station whenever required.
The incident has triggered a wider debate over the safety of school excursions and trekking activities, particularly during the monsoon, as well as the responsibility of schools, teachers and tour operators to ensure the safety of students.
According to police, 23 students, four teachers and two tour operators from Deep Vihar Higher Secondary School visited the Tonir–Kajredyat waterfall on August 7 as part of a trekking excursion. At the time, Sattari was experiencing heavy monsoon rainfall, resulting in strong water currents and a significant rise in the river level.
The waterfall is located within the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Forest Department had reportedly closed the site to visitors due to the prevailing conditions. Despite the restrictions and warning notices, the group allegedly entered the area through an unauthorised route.
During the excursion, Rahul Bind entered the water and was swept away by the strong current. His drowning has led to widespread grief and public anger in Sattari and other parts of Goa.
Valpoi Police registered the case on the basis of a complaint filed by the Sattari Deputy Collector. The teachers and tour operators were booked under relevant provisions of law.
The investigation is being conducted under the supervision of Bicholim Deputy Superintendent of Police Shridevi and North Goa Superintendent of Police Harish Madkaikar. Valpoi Police Inspector Videsh Belgavkar is leading the investigation.
Following preliminary inquiries, recording of witness statements, inspection of the site and examination of available evidence, police arrested the six accused.
The arrested teachers have been identified as Nidhi Shirlekar, Vidya Gaude, Blanche Fernandes and Yashwant Kankonkar.
The two tour operators arrested are Aditya Dalvi and Manjunath Yammiyar.
The accused subsequently moved bail applications before the Valpoi court. After hearing the matter, the First Class Judicial Magistrate granted conditional bail to all six.
The court directed the accused to cooperate with the investigation, not interfere with evidence or witnesses and remain available to police whenever their presence is required.
The case has meanwhile intensified calls for stricter safety protocols for school excursions, especially at waterfalls, rivers and other high-risk locations during the monsoon. The circumstances surrounding the visit, including the alleged entry into a restricted area despite official warnings, are expected to remain a key focus of the ongoing investigation.
