The DHARGAL HORROR….
— 17-year-old student Rishab Shetye suffered serious burn injuries in an acid attack at Dhargalim bus stand, Pernem.
— The attacker, on a two-wheeler, threw acid from a bucket and fled before anyone could react.
— Victim suffered 30% burns and is currently stable at Goa Medical College (GMC), Bambolim.
— Family claims no known enmity and remains unaware of the motive behind the assault.
— Police suspect a possible love affair or personal dispute, and multiple teams are investigating.
— Political leaders condemned the incident, with demands for swift justice and criticism of the state’s law and order situation.
Team Goemkarponn
DHARGAL: In a shocking incident early Monday morning, a 17-year-old student from Dhargalim, Pernem, sustained serious burn injuries in a suspected acid attack at the local bus stand. Police are investigating whether a personal dispute linked to a love affair may have motivated the assault.
The attack took place around 7:50 a.m. as Rishab Shetye, a higher secondary school student in Mapusa, waited for his bus. According to police, an unidentified person on a two-wheeler approached and hurled acid from a bucket onto the teenager before fleeing the scene.
Eyewitnesses described Shetye running along the road, screaming for help in excruciating pain. He was first rushed to the District Hospital in Mapusa and later shifted to Goa Medical College (GMC) in Bambolim for specialised treatment. Doctors reported he suffered approximately 30% burns but is currently stable.
Speaking to reporters, the victim’s father said the family was at a complete loss to explain the motive behind the horrific attack.
“We have no idea why this happened. Our family has always lived peacefully and there were no threats or issues,” he said, adding that they were hopeful for his son’s swift recovery but remained anxious about the investigation.
Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar, who visited the family at GMC, said preliminary information indicated the assault could have arisen from a personal dispute or a love affair gone wrong.
“The family has provided some leads to the police. The motive could be related to a relationship angle,” Arlekar stated.
Superintendent of Police (North) Rahul Gupta said multiple teams are working to trace the attacker.
“We are examining all angles, including personal enmity, and are confident we will crack the case soon,” Gupta said.
The incident has triggered outrage across the community, with many demanding swift justice and tougher measures to prevent such crimes.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao condemned the attack as “awful” and called for urgent action.
“I urge the police to apprehend the perpetrators immediately. A thorough investigation is crucial to deliver justice and prevent such heinous acts,” he said.
The Goa Forward Party also criticised the BJP-led state government, accusing it of failing to maintain law and order.
“Rapes, murders, and robberies have become daily affairs. Criminals no longer fear the administration or the police,” said the party’s General Secretary and spokesperson Durgadas Kamat.
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Possible Love Angle Being
Probed: MLA Pravin Arlekar
Dhargal:
MLA Pravin Arlekar said investigators are probing a possible love angle as the motive behind the brutal attack on a 17-year-old boy in Goa.
The minor, who is admitted at Goa Medical College, has suffered 30% burns on the right side of his body, including injuries to his eye.
While authorities are still confirming whether acid or another chemical was used, the MLA has directed the police to arrest the accused by this evening “at any cost.”
Quotes
Who Said What?
“We are examining all angles, including personal enmity, and are confident we will crack the case soon,”
Rahul Gupta
SP, North Goa
“The family has provided some leads to the police. The motive could be related to a relationship angle.”
Pravin Arlekar
MLA, Pernem
“I urge the police to apprehend the perpetrators immediately. A thorough investigation is crucial to deliver justice and prevent such heinous acts”.
Yuri Alemao
Leader of Opposition
“Rapes, murders, and robberies have become daily affairs. Criminals no longer fear the administration or the police.”
Durgadas Kamat.
GFP General Secretary
