Team Goemkarponn
Porvorim: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) on Thursday alleged that an armed mob carried out a violent attack on a residence at Donwaddo, Salvador do Mundo, Porvorim, late on the night of December 22, and accused the ruling BJP of patronising criminal elements in the area.
Addressing the media through a press note, GPCC President Amit Patkar said the incident involved organised mob violence, attempted arson and the molestation of women family members. According to the complaint filed at the Porvorim Police Station, a large group allegedly armed with swords, iron rods and other weapons arrived at the residence, burst high-intensity fireworks, hurled burning crackers at the compound gate and attempted to set the house on fire, while issuing death threats.
The Congress claimed that women members of the family were molested during the incident and that the attackers openly invoked the name of Porvorim MLA and Cabinet Minister Rohan Khaunte while threatening the family. The mob allegedly warned the family to silence Sanjeev Naik, former Sarpanch of Salvador do Mundo and President of the Bandhari Samaj, for speaking against the criminalisation of politics, participating in the Goa Against Goonda Raj movement, and demanding justice in the Rama Kankonkar assault case.
Calling the incident “deliberate and politically motivated,” the Congress said the attack was aimed at intimidating a family, terrorising women and suppressing dissenting voices. The party alleged that the incident reflects a serious deterioration in law and order and accused the BJP government of providing political protection to criminal elements.
“The fact that armed mobs feel emboldened to operate openly and threaten citizens while invoking the names of ruling party leaders shows a complete collapse of governance,” the press note stated.
The Congress has demanded immediate registration of an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, arrest of all accused persons without political protection, and a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation, including scrutiny of CCTV footage, call records and witness statements. The party also sought strict action against those who allegedly instigated or abetted the attack, irrespective of their political position.
Police officials said that a complaint has been received and that the matter is under enquiry. Further details are awaited.
