VALPOI
Sixteen persons have been accused of pelting stones at an election meeting at Bhumika Temple hall, Poriem, on Monday evening where Valpoi MLA Vishwajeet Rane was present.
The meeting was initially scheduled to be addressed by Leader of the Opposition Pratapsingh Rane. Rane, however, failed to attend the meeting.
Trouble began after Vishwajeet rose to address meeting with some supporters taking objection to him saying he was not representing Poriem. Several supporters then began shouting slogans against Vishwajeet demanding to know why Pratapsingh Rane was not present. In the meelee, some from among the crowd began pelting stones which in turn led to commotion at the venue.
Sensing trouble, Vishwajeet was forced to beat a hasty retreat and left the venue without addressing the meeting.
Poriem Panch Anil Majik lodged a complaint at Valpoi police station against 16 persons for allegedly pelting stones during the meeting at Bhumika Temple hall, Poriem, at around 7.45 pm.
In his complaint, Majik also stated that the Valpoi MLA was abused when he was addressing the meeting.
Valpoi Police registered the complaint for unlawful assembly/rioting under Sections 143, 147, 504 read with 149 IPC.
Those named in the FIR are Vishnu Sawant, Suresh Sawant, Raju Sawant, Narayan Sawant, Virendra Rane, Dilip Paryekar, Anant Rane and others.
However, no arrests were made till late Monday night.
