ALDONA: Aldona isn’t the likeliest of places to witness a brutal murderous attack, purportedly with a background of rivalry and past violence. But this has shattered the peace in a village known for its winding roads, little streams, and fields.
But then the grass isn’t always green. On Thursday evening, Aldona Sarpanch Pranesh Naik was brutally attacked by a gang of six to seven persons, from which one person Nikhil Panjikar has been arrested while Goa Police are on a search for the other accused person.
The back story
A month ago, there was an ugly argument between the arrested Nikhil Panjikar and victim Pranesh Naik. However, the police are on the hunt for the other six involved in this criminal act. Some even said that this could be past rivalry planned and executed against Pranesh.
Locals say Nikhil and Pranesh were good friends. But today they have bloody ties.
In the last six months, those in and around Aldona appear to have taken a hit on their peaceful existence. This is the third major criminal incident reported in six months in Aldona constituency. In August it was the mysterious missing and drowning death of Siddhi Naik. In October a 23-year-old youth, Ashwin Alemao was assaulted and killed by his own friend at midnight over petty issues. And now it was a brutal attack on Aldona Sarpanch Pranesh Naik. Pranesh has undergone multiple surgeries, fractures and is presently out of danger.
The arrested Nikhil Panjikar is a resident of Aldona and is allegedly one of the seven members who assaulted Pranesh. North Goa SP, Sobhit Saxena said that they have already identified two more suspects and launched a manhunt for one of the main accused. “We have some lead, and a case has been registered u/s 307 (murder attempt); Goa police are investigating in all angles. The reason behind the attack is yet to be known,” he added.
The Incident. Circa Nov 18. 3.30 pm
Pranesh has sustained grievous injuries and is undergoing treatment at Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim. However, the friend, who accompanied Pranesh in the restaurant, sustained minor injuries. It is clear that he was being tracked. The incident occurred between 3.30 pm and 4 pm when Pranesh along with his friend was sitting in a restaurant at Carona, Aldona when suddenly a Delhi-registered vehicle stopped near the restaurant and people wearing masks moved out of the vehicle, entered the restaurant, and attacked the sarpanch with a ‘koita’ (knife). The restaurant at Carona where the incident took place is nearly 500mts away from the main road. Usually Pranesh is always at his own restaurant, “Blue Moon Restaurant” just after cable bridge at Corjuvem in Aldona. Since his restaurant was shut on Thursday, he went to have lunch at Carona.
The Attack
According to police, seven persons trespassed into the bar and attacked Naik while he was sitting inside along with his friends. They called Naik out of the bar and restaurant. An unsuspecting Naik came out and was immediately attacked with sharp weapons by the accused. On noticing that Naik was being attacked, his friends and the attendants of the bar and restaurant raised an alarm. In the commotion, the accused took to their heels and ran away from the site.
Soon after the incident was reported, a police team, including SP North Shobit Saxena and Mapusa PI Tushar Lotlikar rushed to the spot. A forensic team too was pressed into service.
Whiff of a criminal past, resulting in a bloody present?
Some of the locals said that this is definitely a planned attack and was meant to be. Yes, as in the past Pranesh was involved in several alleged criminal activities and crimes. Some cases were also registered against him (Pranesh Naik). But now after becoming the Sarpanch of the Aldona Panchayat he has changed and worked for the people and is on a good track compared to the past.
Naik is the Sarpanch of Aldona village and also a local businessman. In addition to the restaurant, he owns two barbershops and other small businesses. Sources said that the sarpanch is involved in several business activities and the previous enmity could be one of the reasons for the attack.
However, there are murmurs in Aldona that this isn’t an open and shut case and both sides need to be probed. But presently, the priority is for Naik to get back on his feet.
The victim’s brother revealed one who he suspects to be the prime accused. (Herald is withholding the name in order not to interfere with the investigation). “Police must investigate who these people are and who sent them. Police will have to act or else people will be forced to take law in their hands.”
Panch member Gajanan Haldankar said that he was shocked by this incident, he demanded action and justice for his political friend Naik.
The wife speaks: If an elected man is attacked, how safe is the common man?
Pranesh Naik’s wife, Sumidas Naik broke down while speaking to Herald saying, “He went out saying I'm going and coming home from lunch, but I ended up seeing him at the hospital bleeding. Today my only demand is justice for my husband and for the people of Aldona. If an elected person is attacked how safe is the common man? This is a well-planned act, he had not much stress nor had any issues. I request the judiciary to take action.”
Can politics be far behind? Reactions start
Newly joined TMC member and brother of Aldona MLA Wilbur Ticlo said, “The law and order situation in the State has collapsed, such things should not happen to any elected representative.”
While on the other hand, Congress leaders like GPCC president Girish Chodankar castigated the government over the law and order situation in the State.
“It looks like the government doesn’t exist in Goa, the Chief Minister of Goa has failed to keep Goans safe. Today all the criminals are being encouraged by the home minister and even the police departments are hand in glove. There are so many cases of murder reported in Goa frequent but no strong action against the criminals,” Chodankar said.
Herald tried to contact local BJP MLA Glen Ticlo to ask his views and comments over this and sent him a text message which he read. However, he chose not to respond.