Mapusa, 15 August 2023: In a swift operation, Mapusa Police have apprehended and arrested three individuals in connection with the desecration of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue. The incident, which occurred at the Karaswada Industrial Estate main gate, was reported in the early hours of Monday 14th August.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (SDPO) for Mapusa, Jivba Dalvi, revealed that following the discovery of the damaged and vandalized statue, a First Information Report (FIR) was promptly registered under sections 295-A, 153-A, 427 r/w 34 of the Indian Penal Code against unidentified perpetrators.
Under the guidance of Goa’s Director General of Police, Shri Jaspal Singh, a dedicated team led by SDPO Jivba Dalvi and supervised by Superintendent of Police (North) Shri Nidin Valsan, was assembled for the investigation. The team, consisting of officers such as PI Shitakant Nayak, PSI Viraj Korgaonkar, PSI Bablo Parab, LPSI Reecha Bhonsle, HC Sushant Chopdekar, PC Prakash Polekar, PC Akshay Patil, PC Anand Rathod, and PC Rajesh Kanolkar, meticulously collected and analyzed CCTV footage from various locations in the vicinity.
The collective efforts of the team resulted in the identification and apprehension of Mr. Nigel Joaquim Fonceca, the primary suspect. Subsequent interrogation unveiled the involvement of two more individuals, Mr. Alex@ Felix Fernandes and Mr. Lawrence Mendes, all residents of Mapusa. All three suspects were placed under arrest on 14th August 2023 and have since been remanded to six days of police custody.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover the motives behind this act of vandalism. The swift response and diligent efforts of Mapusa Police have led to the apprehension of the suspects and serve as a testament to their commitment to maintaining law and order in the community.
