Dhond, Sharmad & others acquitted in Sanvordem communal riot case
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 17 April 2012 23:05 IST
Bharatiya Janata Party secretary Satish Dhond, Margao-based BJP leader Sharmad Raiturkar and 38 others were acquitted from Curchorem riot case of 2006 today.
South Goa district and session judge Vijaya Poll, while acquitting them, said no evidence was found against them for instigating riot though they were present at the site.
Goa, on 3 March 2006, had witnessed a communal riot for the first time after the issue over a mosque-cum-Madarasa in Sanvordem had exploded.
Shops and houses of Muslim community were attacked and even burnt down by the miscreants.
The BJP activists were actively seen on the streets when the riot was taking place.
Though the court agreed that the accused were present on the spot, their intention could not be established.
Mere presence of the accused at the spot cannot be the evidence of participating in the riot.
Senior criminal lawyer Adv Albano Viegas and Adv Amey Prabhudesai argued on behalf of the accused.
