Team Goemkarponn
MAPUSA: A fresh twist has emerged in the fatal road accident at Happy Bar Junction in Assagao, where a 65-year-old tourist from Bhopal lost his life after a Mahindra Thar rammed into his family’s Hyundai i20 on Sunday evening.
According to police, the accident occurred on February 23 at around 5.45 pm when a Mahindra Thar (GA-03-V-5695), allegedly driven in a rash and negligent manner by 19-year-old Shaurya Goyal from Hauz Khas, New Delhi, was proceeding from Mapusa towards Anjuna with four female occupants.
On reaching the junction at Assagao in Bardez, the Thar reportedly collided with a Hyundai i20 (GA-08-AB-6685), which was crossing the junction from Assagao towards Parra.
Bhagat Ram Sharma (65), a resident of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, sustained serious injuries and succumbed while being shifted to the District Hospital, Mapusa. His wife, Leela Sharma (60), suffered grievous injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Mapusa. A two-month-old infant travelling with them sustained minor injuries.
Police conducted a motor vehicle accident panchanama at the scene, and both vehicles were seized for further investigation.
Initial inquiry revealed that the Thar was driven by Shaurya Goyal, while the Hyundai i20 was driven by Tushar Uniyal (39) of Faridabad, Haryana.
Based on a complaint filed on behalf of the State, Anjuna Police registered an FIR (Crime No. 12/2026) under Sections 106(1), 281 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 on February 23 at 11 pm.
The accused was arrested on February 24 at 3.37 pm and later released as per legal procedure.
Meanwhile, sources said investigators are also examining claims from locals regarding an alleged attempt to switch seats after the crash. Police are reviewing available evidence as part of the ongoing probe.
Further investigation is in progress.
