A road-rage incident in Curchorem involving the son of the Cumbarjua MLA and a senior citizen has reportedly ended on a conciliatory note. Two days after the complaint prompted a police inquiry, the young man reportedly apologised, and the complainant accepted the apology and forgave him. While the resolution is welcome, the incident raises a larger concern. Road-rage can intimidate, threaten or endanger ordinary citizens. It is particularly troubling when relatives of elected representatives are involved, as this can create an impression that political influence offers protection from consequences. The law makes no distinction. Whether someone is a politician’s relative, a government employee, businessperson or ordinary citizen, the same laws apply. Elected representatives should also remind family members that public office is a position of trust, not a licence to intimidate others or take the law into their own hands.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
