@thegoanonline SPOTLIGHT SUNDAY JANUARY 5, 2025 2025: GOA’S PRIORITIES AND GOALS Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) Instagram.com/thegoanonline 18 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME X, NO. 198 2 GOA NEWS log on to thegoan.net Tourist assaults spark social media storm Cannabis plant discovered in St Inez NEP for Classes III, VI, X from new academic year RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 3 154 chargesheeted for Margao unrest over Velingkar’s remarks n FATORDA POLICE SUBMIT EXTENSIVE EVIDENCE INCLUDING VIDEO, AUDIO RECORDINGS AND STATEMENTS OF WITNESSES n PACHECO, COUTINHO COUPLE AMONG THOSE BOOKED VIBHA VERMA THE GOAN I PANAJI Three months after massive protests erupted against ex-RSS Goa chief Subhash Velingkar over defamatory remarks against St Francis Xavier, legal action escalated. Four First Information Reports (FIRs) have been chargesheeted against 154 protestors for the chaos that unfolded at Old Market, Margao as the inflammatory remarks triggered State-wide unrest. Former tourism minister Francisco Pacheco, charged with criminal intimidation and several activists and locals are among 154 protestors facing serious charges. Police sources confirmed to The Goan that the investigation teams will file supplementary chargesheet/s against others, who have so far remained unidentified. Exclusive info accessed by The Goan reveals that Fatorda police submitted extensive THE FIRST FIR CHARGES IN THE FOUR REPORTS Protestors blocked NH 66 from 10 am to 11 pm on October 5, 2024 causing massive traffic disruption and public inconvenience Protestors allegedly assaulted motorcyclist Niyaz Ahmed Protestors Used force against police personnel THE SECOND FIR Agustinho from Navelim evidence including video and audio recordings, as well as statements of hundreds of witnesses. The Court is expected to issue notices for framing charges. The first FIR against 519 protestors with 19 identified includes Savio and Pratima Coutinho. According to and others charged with unlawful assembly, wrongful restraint, and assault on Niyaz Ahmed THE THIRD FIR Viral video captured protestors restraining a scooter rider and a minor school student near SGPDA market circle Unknown group of persons failed to ensure child’s safety -- who was sitting pillion and the chargesheet, protestors blocked NH 66 from 10 am to 11 pm on October 5, 2024 causing massive traffic disruption and public inconvenience. In the suo-motu case filed by the State, the protestors allegedly assaulted a motorcyclist Niyaz Ahmed, and used force against police personnel from returning from the school with her parent -- while blocking NH 66 THE FOURTH FIR Francisco Pacheco and others accused of obstructing traffic and threatening to kill Velingkar Viral video, submitted to the Court, shows an altercation with SDPO Quepem Nilesh Rane… 3 accused identified so far performing their lawful duty. The case saw the arrests of Clive Cardozo (28) and Nevile Fernandes (60) and subsequent bail. While the chargesheet filed on January 2 is against 141 accused persons, sources said the remaining are being identified and included in the supplementary charge- sheet. The second FIR charged Agustinho from Navelim and others with unlawful assembly, wrongful restraint, and assault on Niyaz Ahmed. Chargesheeted just before New Year’s Eve, this case had seen the arrest of two persons. In the third suo-motu FIR, a viral video captured protestors restraining a scooter rider and a minor school student near SGPDA Market Circle. The chargesheet alleged the unknown group of persons failed to ensure the child’s safety – who was sitting pillion and returning from school with her parent -- while blocking NH 66. Eight individuals are charged. The fourth FIR accuses Francisco Pacheco and others of obstructing traffic and threatening to kill Velingkar. A viral video, submitted to the Court, shows an altercation with SDPO Quepem Nilesh Rane with chargesheet identifying three accused so far. SPORTS »PAGE 10 Pant fireworks keeps SCG Test in balance Haaland double helps Man City ease past West Ham
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