PANAJI/VALPOI
The Valpoi police on Saturday apprehended a Sattari local for allegedly setting ablaze a small forest patch near Mhadei wildlife sanctuary.
The man identified as Eknath Sawant was subjected to intense questioning to ascertain his role in wildfires around the sanctuary, if any.
A senior officer said that they have identified more suspects in the forest blaze, all of whom will either be summoned for questioning or detained till further investigation.
Sawant is alleged to have set some dry patches on fire to roast cashew nuts in his cashew plantation but due to strong wind, the fire spread till a considerable distance.
In fact, he had himself approached the forest officers informing them about the fire. The forest personnel immediately reached the spot and simultaneously informed the Valpoi police who detained him.
More details were awaited till going to the press.
The Valpoi police are investigating an FIR registered under sections 435 (mischief by fire or any explosive substance intending to cause, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause, damage to any property or where the property is agricultural produce), 436 (Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house, etc) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 26(1) Indian Forest Act against unknown following a state of fire incident in Mhadei area.
Complainant Range Forest Officer (Keri) alleged that he suspected some unknown persons from local area might have created mischief by lighting a fire in the forest areas.
