Team Goemkarponn
VALPOI: A 32-year-old man lost his life in a tragic hunting mishap in the forested area of Advoi Sattari. The deceased, Hemant Hirba Desai, a resident of Advoi, was fatally shot by his hunting companion, Abhijit Desai, during what police suspect to be an accidental discharge of an unlicensed firearm.
According to Valpoi Police, the two men entered the cashew plantation at Fulasaryo around 6:30 PM to hunt wild animals. The fatal shooting occurred around 9:00 PM when Abhijit allegedly loaded and fired the weapon, striking Hemant. The victim succumbed to his injuries on the spot.
Abhijit Desai, 34, hails from Dodamarg in Maharashtra and is the son of Narayan Desai of Thadebhatla village. He was taken into custody soon after the incident and formally arrested. Police received a complaint from the deceased’s uncle, based on which a case was registered under multiple legal provisions.
The charges include Section 105 read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; Sections 3, 25, and 27 of the Arms Act; and Section 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
A team from the Valpoi Police Station, along with forensic experts, conducted a detailed examination of the crime scene. Authorities seized a firearm, an empty cartridge, and a scooter believed to be linked to the case. Police confirmed that the firearm used in the incident was unlicensed.
Meanwhile, accused has been given 5 days police custody.
The investigation is being led by PI Viddesh Shirodkar of Valpoi Police Station, under the supervision of North Goa Superintendent of Police, Akshat Kaushal, IPS.
