PANAJI
In a setback for the police, the High Court of Bombay at Goa observed that the charge of attempted murder does not prima facie apply to one of the two accused in a May 2024 assault case.
The Bench of Justice Valmiki Menezes noted that the medical evidence, in the form of a Hurt Certificate, indicated the injuries sustained by the victim were not serious.
Thomas Fernandes, the second accused and currently in judicial custody, is alleged to have been involved in an altercation with Alistair Pulikal (32) at Mazilwado-Revora on May 12. The prime accused, Haden Fernandes was the first to be arrested for allegedly stabbing Pulikal in the head and chest.
As per records submitted to the Court, the Hurt Certificate and chargesheet mentioned lacerations on the victim's forehead and upper chest. The complaint also alleged that after the stabbing, Pulikal escaped from the accused and Fernandes pelted stones at him, which led to injuries to the victim’s back.
However, Fernandes' lawyer submitted that the Hurt Certificate does not mention any injuries to the victim's back.
The Court, while granting conditional bail, observed the injuries described did not suggest an attempt to commit murder.
