Team Goemkarponn
PERNEM: The Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court in Pernem has cleared two men accused in a 2021 bullfight case, ruling that the prosecution failed to establish their role in organising or provoking the event that led to the death of a bull.
Presiding officer Shabnam Pratap Nagvekar acquitted Cleto D’Souza and Suryakant Betkar of offences under Section 429 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code, along with relevant provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
In its order, the court pointed out serious gaps in the investigation, noting that the statement of the complainant—ASI Nanu Thakur from Pernem Police Station, who had reportedly flagged the alleged bullfight at Dandosa Wada—was not recorded. The court questioned how the investigating officer concluded the accused were involved without such crucial material, and on what basis they were arrested and chargesheeted.
The court observed that the investigation lacked clarity and failed to justify the action taken against the accused, concluding that the evidence on record was insufficient to support a conviction.
The case dates back to January 9, 2021, when a bullfight was allegedly held, resulting in the death of one of the animals. An FIR was subsequently registered.
During the trial, the prosecution presented several witnesses, including a veterinary expert who conducted the post-mortem and police personnel connected to the probe. The medical findings confirmed the bull died due to internal injuries that caused shock.
However, the court held that none of the witnesses could directly link the accused to the organisation or conduct of the bullfight, leading to their acquittal.
