MARGAO
The Prosecution on Monday submitted before Judicial Magistrate First Class, Margao that no instructions have come from the government to withdraw the Velim Church attack case, even as Judge Pooja Kavlekar told the defense lawyer that the accused can pursue the demand for the withdrawal of the sensational case.
Judge Kavlekar also ordered that notice be issued to the Investigation Officer in the case to get the names of the accused corrected. The Judge also ordered that summons be issued to one of the accused, who remained absent for the hearing.
When the case came up before Judge Kavlekar for appearance on Monday morning, defense lawyer, Adv Rajiv Gomes submitted before the court that the government has given an assurance to withdraw prosecution from the case. Submitting that the government had promised to withdraw the case since it involves two religious leaders, Adv Gomes further said the accused are not at the mercy of the government and are ready to face the trial.
Judge Kavlekar inquired with Assistant Public Prosecutor, Shipla Nagvenkar, who replied saying that her office has not received any communique to withdraw from the prosecution.
