Team Goemkarponn
VALPOI: Authorities have made a breakthrough in the recent gunshot incident reported from Podoshe, Sattari. A joint team from Valpoi Police Station and the Forensic Science Laboratory carried out a detailed search at Housing Board, Zariwada.
During the operation at House No. 131/13, conducted in the presence of owner Nandkumar Mahadev Apte, officers initially found nothing amiss. However, a locked storeroom next to the residence raised suspicion. When Apte refused to open it, police broke the lock and continued their search.
Inside, officers recovered a blue barrel containing a long bag, which held a professional air gun equipped with a scope. Apte had no licence for the weapon, which he had been using illegally.
On questioning, Apte admitted to firing the shots, telling police he discharged the weapon to scare away groups gathering late at night in the area for alcohol consumption and other unlawful activities.
Apte has been issued a notice under Section 35(3) and instructed to cooperate with investigators until the inquiry is complete.
The investigation is being conducted by PSI Prathamesh Gawas, under the supervision of SDPO Bicholim and PI Videsh Shirodkar, with overall supervision by SP North Harish Madkaikar.
