PONDA: A two-wheeler rider Sachin Kurtikar (32) from Gotmod Usgao near Pascal Farm, was seriously injured in an early morning shootout on Friday by unknown assailants on bike at Bethora main four road junction on busy Margao- Belagavi NH bypass.
He was seriously injured and shifted to GMC from Sub District Hospital Ponda and later his condition is learnt to be stable, said PI Tushar Lotlikar.
Police have taken custody of four suspects for investigation. The Ponda Police has posted policemen around the victim’s hospital ward and residence, considering potential risk to his life from assailants.
“The bullet was fired by one of the assailants, who along with his accomplice came on a motorbike from behind. The bullet entered through Kurtikar’s back and got stuck in his two-wheeler speedometer. During the panchanama, police attached the 7.65 mm size bullet.
Exact reason for the shootout was not known, however, Kurtikar gave a statement to the police in which he suspected the involvement of his neighbour due to previous enmity.
In this connection an offence under Section 307 (attempt to murder) and Section 3, 25 and 27 of Arms Act was registered against unknown person. Investigation is being done under the supervision of SP South Sunita Sawant, DySP Ponda, Arshi Aadil.
Shocked Ponda residents, Oppn slam govt
PONDA: Shocked with the shootout at Bethora, the people of Ponda and Opposition leaders slammed the State government for the “collapse” in law and order situation.
The locals said at Bethora junction there are cameras installed by Panchayat but they were not working as internet charges were not paid. Bethora Sarpanch, Madhu Khandeparkar said law and order is responsibility of Police and they should look after maintenance. Bethora local resident Hemant Samant demanded proper security arrangement for safety.
India National Trade Union Congress (Federation) leader Adv Hrudaynath Shirodkar and others immediately submitted memorandum to Ponda Police asking it to focus on law and order. He said that CCTV system should be installed and maintain all over for safety. “Police are busy with VIP movement duties and collecting fines from traffic violations. Goa has become a heaven for criminals and this need to change,” Shirodkar said.
Leader of Opposition, Yuri Alemao on Friday said that the early morning shooting incident at Ponda once again shows total collapse of law and order in Goa.
He said that the media report reveals CCTV Cameras are not functional. Obsession of the BJP Government under Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant to spend on events has resulted in compromising the safety and security of Goans.
“This is ‘Ravan Rajya’ in Goa by ‘followers of Godse’. They are promoting crime, drug, prostitution, beggar, land grabbers and mafia in Goa. People wake up with the news of a serious crime every day,” he said.
Goa Forward leader Durgadas Kamat said law and order completely collapsed in State. Earlier it was used to happen in North costal belt but now reached to hinterland.