MARGAO
The elderly Betalbatim resident allegedly assaulted by his son and daughter-in-law has taken shelter at his daughter’s relative’s house after the Colva police arrested the duo late on Friday night.
The arrests came after a video showing the alleged assault on Loyola D’Souza went viral on social media, prompting former Cuncolim Municipal Councillor Mariano Soares to lodge a complaint with the Colva police.
Based on the complaint, police registered an FIR under Sections 115, 126, 127, 352 and 351(3) read with Section 3(5) of the BNS, along with Section 24 of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act. The accused, Isidoreo D’Souza and his wife Irene Gonsalves, were subsequently arrested.
Police alleged that the couple, acting with a common intention, assaulted the victim with slippers, slapped him, wrongfully restrained and confined him, abused him in filthy language, and threatened him with dire consequences.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Soares said the victim had initially wished to move to an old-age home, but his daughter, who lives in the UK, arranged for him to stay with relatives instead. “The senior citizen was handed over to his daughter’s relatives late on Friday night,” he said.
Soares said he was compelled to file the complaint after being disturbed by the alleged assault. He added that he first approached the Cuncolim police, but was told the incident did not fall within their jurisdiction. After learning that it had occurred in Betalbatim, he lodged the complaint with the Colva police.
Commending Colva Police Inspector Videsh Shirodkar for the prompt registration of the FIR and arrest of the accused, Soares sought justice for the elderly man.
Social activist Fidol Pereira urged police across the State to act swiftly in cases involving the assault and harassment of senior citizens.
