Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The North Goa Sessions Court has granted interim anticipatory bail to social activist Advino Fernandes, a resident of Verem in Reis Magos, in connection with an extortion case registered at Mandrem Police Station.
Fernandes had approached the court seeking protection from arrest after receiving a notice from the police directing him to participate in the investigation.
According to his plea, the criminal proceedings are connected to his efforts to highlight alleged irregularities related to a hospitality project being developed in Morjim. Fernandes has claimed that his actions were part of his whistleblower activities concerning what he described as illegal construction within a Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) area.
After hearing the matter, the court granted interim anticipatory bail, providing temporary relief to the activist until the next date of hearing.
The case is scheduled to come up before the court again on June 4, when further arguments and submissions from both sides are expected to be considered.
Meanwhile, the investigation by Mandrem Police into the extortion complaint remains underway. Authorities have not disclosed additional details regarding the allegations as the matter is currently before the court.
