Tension gripped Rumdamol-Davorlim in Goa on Saturday after Gorakshak Goa chief Ravindra Redkar was allegedly assaulted at a fast food outlet in the village. The incident prompted heavy police deployment and a protest march by Bajrang Dal activists demanding action against illegal stalls operating near two temples.
Incident Details
The assault occurred on Wednesday night when two individuals visiting the outlet were allegedly refused a menu card, leading to an argument. When Redkar arrived at the scene later, he too was assaulted. He is currently receiving treatment at the South Goa District Hospital.
Protest and Memorandum
In response to the assault, Bajrang Dal activists, led by Goa division coordinator Viraj Desai, marched to the Davorlim police outpost on Saturday. They submitted a memorandum demanding action against illegal non-vegetarian stalls operating near the Maruti Temple and Swami Samarth Temple (Samarth Gad) at Rumdamol Housing Board.
The memorandum alleged that unauthorised stalls selling non-vegetarian food, including beef, were operating near the two places of worship, causing resentment among devotees and disturbing the religious atmosphere. It also raised concerns about sanitation, obstruction to public movement, and suspected use of unauthorised water and electricity connections. The memorandum called for verification of all licences and approvals by the authorities concerned.
Aftermath and Police Action
Following the incident, the fast food outlet owner voluntarily shut down and partially demolished the structure, which helped ease tensions. A strong police presence has been stationed at the location. Police confirmed that the suspect, Imran Raza, was placed under preventive arrest on the night of the incident itself.
The situation remains under control, but the protests highlight ongoing tensions over the operation of food stalls near religious sites in the area.
