MAPUSA
In a swift development, Mandrem police late on Thursday registered an FIR and arrested three persons in connection with the alleged murder of Umakant Khot, even as the main accused ” the property owner ” remains absconding.
Police have identified the arrested persons as Lokesh (53) from Karnataka, who worked as a supervisor, Rohit Kumar Prajapati (23) from Jharkhand, a JCB operator, and Viji Suppan (36) from Tamil Nadu, employed as a cook and gardener.
The prime accused, Ashok Kumar Nedurumali, owner of the property surveyed under No 156/3 at Morjim village, is currently at large. Police have launched an extensive search to trace his whereabouts.
According to police, preliminary investigation revealed that Ashok Kumar, along with the three arrested men, hatched a criminal conspiracy and, with common intention, assaulted the deceased, Umakant Khot, on Wednesday afternoon, following a property dispute. Khot sustained severe injuries during the attack. He was rushed to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Tuem, where doctors on duty declared him dead.
A case has been registered under Sections 103(1), 71(2)(a) read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police stated that the three accused have been arrested for murder, while efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the absconding main accused in the Morjim murder case.
Forensic findings hint at foul play
Meanwhile, the post-mortem examination of Khot’s body revealed multiple injuries, particularly on the face, pointing towards foul play in the case. The autopsy was conducted at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), Bambolim, on Thursday. Sources informed that the pattern and number of injuries observed were inconsistent with an accidental fall. “This definitely does not appear to be an accidental death,” the source said on condition of anonymity.
Sources confirmed that several external injuries were visible, mostly concentrated on the face. The forensic doctors have submitted their preliminary findings to the police.
