Nine detained for assaulting lawyer on duty at Dhargalim

Mapusa: Legal fraternity in the state is enraged following an assault on advocate Sadanand Vaigankar by a group of people during a court-mandated site inspection at Oshalbagh, Dhargalim, on Friday.

Since then, Pernem police have taken into custody nine suspects, including prime accused Sajjan Konadkar, for questioning.The incident unfolded at approximately at 11.40am on March 6, when Vaigankar was representing a complainant in a matter involving alleged illegal constructions. While overseeing an official panchanama in the presence of the local sarpanch, a block development officer (BDO), and police personnel, a group of approximately 10 individuals— including women—reportedly formed an unlawful assembly.

According to the FIR, the group obstructed the officials from performing their duties before turning their aggression toward Vaigankar. The advocate was allegedly subjected to abuse and a physical assault involving kicks and fist blows. Furthermore, the complainant alleged the theft of his bag containing vital documents—including his Bar Council enrollment card and ID proofs—along with Rs 15,400 in cash. Accused Deepti Konadkar is specifically alleged to have stolen Rs 5,500 from the advocate’s pocket, while Sajjan reportedly issued a death threat to the advocate.

The All India Lawyers’ Union (AILU) has strongly condemned the attack, raising “serious concerns” over police inaction at the scene. A delegation of 20 senior lawyers, led by Sangram Desai, former chairman of the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa, met with authorities to demand a high-level probe.The fraternity has now intensified its demand for the immediate implementation of the Advocates Protection Act in Goa. Police have registered the case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).