Panaji: The Old Goa police on Saturday registered two separate first information reports against seven individuals, including social activist Kashinath Shetye, in connection with an alleged assault at Merces over a public interest litigation on land filling.
First FIR Filed by Yogesh Tigade
Based on the complaint of Yogesh Tigade, a 40-year-old resident of Santa Cruz, the police filed an FIR against Shetye and Dominic Pereira, according to DySP PRO Nilesh Rane. Rane stated that Pereira and Shetye, acting with common intention, went to Tigade's property located at survey number 58/1 at Morombi Pequeno in Merces, Tiswadi, and demanded Rs 15 lakh in cash under the pretext of settling the PIL concerning alleged land filling.
He further added that upon Tigade's refusal to pay the money, a fight escalated between him and the accused duo. The accused then allegedly assaulted the complainant with a wooden log and resorted to biting, causing him injuries.
Second FIR Filed by Kashinath Shetye
On Shetye's complaint, the police subsequently registered an FIR against Tigade, Saila Bela Mesta, Sharma, and two other unknown persons. According to the police, Tigade had charged towards Shetye with a koita in his hand and assaulted him with an intention to kill over the issue of filing the PIL before the Bombay High Court. As a result, Shetye also suffered injuries on his back.
The police are investigating both complaints and have registered cases accordingly. Further details are awaited.
