MAPUSA
The Mapusa First Class Magistrate Court has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane after he failed to appear in connection with the 2013 Dhargal-Pernem toll plaza vandalism and assault case.
Rane is one of nine accused in the case. While he remained absent during Saturday’s hearing, the other accused—Rahul Parab, Mukund Parab, Harishchandra Parab, Rakesh Parab, Prashant Malkar, Vinamra Achrekar, Sagar Patil and Santosh Raut—were present before the court.
The court has posted the matter for hearing on Monday, when Rane is expected to appear.
The case relates to an incident on December 3, 2013, when the then Goa government had introduced an entry fee of Rs 250 for vehicles larger than four-wheelers entering the State from neighbouring states and had set up a toll plaza at Dhargal-Pernem.
According to the prosecution, Rane was travelling from Sawantwadi to Calangute with his supporters in three vehicles when they reached the toll plaza. The accused allegedly assaulted toll plaza employees and vandalised the booth after being asked to pay the toll fee.
Following the incident, the accused allegedly proceeded to Calangute, where they were detained and arrested by Pernem police.
