PANAJI: Verna Police have arrested three men involved in a brutal highway robbery that took place last week near Loto Garage, Santrant, Cortalim.
The accused, identified as Sachit Naik (55), a businessman from Sancoale, Gokuldas Naik (45) from Borim, Ponda, and Mandar Prabhu (31) from Shiroda, were arrested following an investigation into the attack and robbery of a local businessman.
The victim, Vijayan T. Thottarayath (52), a businessman and owner of Jim Cam Souparnika Bar and Restaurant, was traveling towards Margao in his car (registration GA-06-F-3354) when the incident occurred. Around 5:10 in the morning, two masked men in a white Innova car intercepted Thottarayath's vehicle, blocking his path.
According to the police, the robbers then assaulted him with iron pipes, causing serious injuries to his right leg, wrist, and head. They stole a gold chain, Rs 10,000 in cash, and a smartphone, with the total loss estimated at Rs 2,00,000.
Following the attack, the victim immediately reported the crime, and Verna Police registered a case. Soon, Police further arrested Sachit Naik January 9, while Gokuldas Naik and Mandar Prabhu were arrested on January 10.
The three accused were remanded to police custody, with Sachit Naik initially held for three days, while Gokuldas and Mandar were remanded for two days. On Monday, all three were further remanded to three more days of custody as the investigation continues.
One of the accused, Mandar Prabhu, has a criminal history, with cases registered against him at both the Ponda and Quepem police stations.
