Velsao assault case accused get bail

While seven accused were granted bail in the morning, two more accused were granted bail later in the evening.

A group of villagers from Velsao had gathered outside the court as the case was being heard, while Congress leaders had also arrived to express solidarity and support to the villagers.

Speaking to reporters, Congress leader Olencio Simoes said the police must not act under pressure and follow procedure as per rule.

"The police have followed a one-sided and a biased procedure because the police should send a notice when a complaint is received and conduct an enquiry. Only after the facts are verified, can they register an FIR,” said Simoes.

“Unfortunately, the procedure has not been followed and our people had gone to complain but their complaint was not registered and no action was taken on our complaint. We expect the police to follow rules and not bow down to political pressure. We will continue to fight against injustice on environment issues or livelihood issues as per our fundamental rights," said Simoes.

Simoes said his colleague Orville Dourado was attacked by an individual outside the Verna Police station.

"We had gone to the police station and one person in an intoxicated state started abusing us in the police station and he charged at us. It is an irony that people are breaking the law right outside the police station but the FIR has been registered against all three of us and this is again a one-sided act by the police," said Simoes.

It may be recalled that Verna police had arrested 10 persons Francisco Braganza, Anthony D'Mello, Cajie D'Mello, Joaquim Fernandes, Felix Vincente, Raymond Fernandes, Filipo Tiodosio, Baptist D'Mello, Agnelo Fernandes and Menino Fernandes under Sections 143, 144, 147, 148, 323, 326 r/w 149 IPC for assault on three persons in Velsao.

However one of the accused, Filipo Tiodosio, facing health issues was allowed to go home while the others had been placed in the lock up.