Team Goemkarponn
BICHOLIM: An autopsy conducted by a panel of doctors has confirmed that Vasanti Salelkar died due to electrocution in Karapur-Bicholim on Tuesday afternoon, putting to rest initial uncertainty surrounding her death.
The procedure was carried out on Thursday after persistent appeals from Salelkar’s relatives and local social workers. Once the medical examination was completed, the body was released to the family, who performed the last rites later in the evening.
Bicholim Police Inspector Vijay Rane said the Goa Medical College dean submitted the panel’s findings, affirming electrocution as the cause of death.
Salelkar, who lived alone in a house embroiled in a long-standing property dispute, had reportedly faced multiple assaults earlier in connection with the same issue. Her family and several local leaders believe her death may not be accidental, alleging possible foul play.
Social activists have announced a candlelight march on Sunday at 6 pm, starting from Salelkar’s residence and culminating at the Bicholim police station, to press for justice.
At a press briefing in Bicholim, activists Adv Ajay Prabhugaonkar and Swapnesh Sherlekar insisted that despite the official findings, the circumstances remain suspicious. They alleged that Salelkar may have been targeted over the contentious property matter, noting that she had been attacked in the past.
The activists also raised broader concerns about the rise in violent property disputes in Goa, recalling a recent fatal incident in Pernem. They further claimed that land agents and “mafias” from outside the state are increasingly threatening the safety of ordinary citizens.
They demanded a comprehensive investigation to determine whether Salelkar’s death was truly accidental or the result of a planned conspiracy.
Several activists, including Dilip Gawas, Ramkrishna Jalmi, Vinod Dhuri, Harsha Wadkar, Gauresh Ghadi, Siddharth Bandodkar, Hari Gawade, Kishore Divkar, and Ashwin Chodankar, were also present during the media briefing.
