THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
Tension and uproar prevailed at the migrant-inhabited Azad Nagar locality of Margao on Wednesday after the locals took to the streets to protest against the release of an under-trial accused on bail in a murder case.
A relative of the deceased Muktiyar, who was murdered in July last year, even tried to self-immolate as a protest, before being overpowered by other residents. The mother of the deceased was seen sleeping on the road. A trunk of a coconut tree was placed in the middle of the road to block the traffic.
Tension rent the air as the Azad Nagar locals, seething with anger over the High Court’s order to release one of the accused Suresh Jalgar on conditional bail on Monday, took to the streets to vehemently protest against the decision.
Agitated over the bail, the residents demanded to know from the police how the accused got released when he has been charged in a murder case. "If a murder accused can get bail then the people will in the future take the law into their own hands," shouted an angry woman.
She was heard asking whether the police did not prepare a strong case against the accused.
Margao Police station in-charge, PI Tulsidas Naik tried to convince the protestors that the police has not released the accused, but has been bailed out by the High Court, but in vain.
PI Tulsidas told the protestors that the police has not only charge-sheeted the murder case, but the trial in the case has started. “The bail plea was rejected by the Margao court, but the accused went in appeal and has got the bail order,” PI Tulsidas tried to convince the protestors, but there were no takers.
Sub-divisional Police officer, Margao DySP Santosh Desai rushed to Azad Nagar with additional reinforcements as a precautionary measure. He told the locals that the police is helpless in the case since the accused had been released on bail by the High Court.
The murder case
In this case, the incident occurred on July 14, 2022, when the deceased Muktiyar was celebrating his birthday along with his friends and family. The police charged that accused one Vinod came and picked up a quarrel with Muktiyar and was later assaulted with a danda. Muktiyar is believed to have died as a result of a blow by a knuckle duster.
The High Court ordered the release of accused Suresh Jalgar upon furnishing a bail bond of Rs 25,000 with one or two sureties.
The High Court has warned that the consequences of cancellation of bail will follow if it is noticed that there is any breach of the conditions imposed.
The Court further directed the applicant to report to the Panaji police station once a week every Sunday between 10 am to 11 am.
