Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: Cuncolim Police have seized the mobile phone of 47-year-old Malcum Agnelo Pereira of Bamado, Chinchinim, as part of their investigation into the alleged assault on Chinchinim-Deussua Sarpanch Gerson Gomes.
The device is likely to be examined for forensic evidence, including its social media activity. Police are probing allegations that Pereira had uploaded more than a dozen videos from the same phone targeting and allegedly defaming the Chinchinim-Deussua Panchayat and the Sarpanch.
The development comes as Cuncolim Police have filed their reply before the Sessions Court, Margao, opposing Pereira’s anticipatory bail application.
According to the police, the alleged assault took place on September 7 following an argument over the collection of ‘Sopo’ at the Chinchinim-Deussua Panchayat office. Police allege that Gomes was pushed down a staircase and subsequently kicked in the chest and head.
Gomes sustained injuries and required hospitalisation following the incident.
In its reply to the anticipatory bail plea, police have claimed that Pereira did not satisfactorily cooperate during questioning. The investigating team has also pointed to his alleged involvement in several previous criminal cases.
Police have further alleged that the complainant’s son was threatened with murder in an attempt to pressure the family into withdrawing the complaint.
Cuncolim Police have sought custodial interrogation of Pereira, maintaining that his custody is necessary to properly investigate the allegations, examine the seized electronic device and ascertain the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.
The Sessions Court, Margao, will hear the anticipatory bail matter.
