Panaji: In a major update to the Pernem gunshot case, police have arrested seven persons involved in illegal sand extraction from the Terekhol River, even as the search continues for the shooter responsible for injuring two labourers earlier this week.
According to Pernem Police, on the night of October 27–28, 2025, two labourers — Ramrishi Paswan (54) and Lalbabu God (37), both natives of Bihar — were shot while illegally extracting sand at Uguvem, Pernem. The victims were initially admitted to Asilo Hospital, Mapusa, and later shifted to GMC Bambolim for further treatment.
Based on the statement of the injured Ramrishi Paswan, it was revealed that an unidentified person opened fire on him and his colleague with the intent to kill, causing serious injuries. A case was registered under Pernem PS Cr. No. 66/2025 for offences under Section 109 of BNS and Section 3 read with 25 of the Arms Act.
Subsequently, on the complaint of PSI Sahil Naik, another FIR (Cr. No. 67/2025) was registered under Sections 303(2), 3(5) of BNS and Sections 3 and 62(2) of The Goa, Daman and Diu Minor Minerals Concession Rules, 1985, against the labourers and the canoe owner for extracting sand without valid permission.
Police have arrested Robert Fernandes (46) and Ashok Mulgaonkar (48) — both residents of Poroscodem, Pernem — along with five labourers from Bihar identified as Sonelal Chaudhary (25), Munna Bin (38), Sonu Paswan (21), Vikas Bin (31), and Yogendra Chaudhary (30). All seven were taken into custody on October 30, 2025, for their involvement in illegal sand extraction.
Authorities further informed that over 35 firearm owners from the area have been interrogated, and an equal number of weapons were checked with assistance from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team.
Police said that multiple angles are being explored to trace the person responsible for firing at the labourers. The investigation is being carried out under the supervision of PI Sachin Lokre and overall supervision of SP North, Rahul Gupta, IPS.
