Mapusa Police Detain Five Karnataka Tourists Following Traffic Altercation with Off-Duty IRB Constable
In a dramatic incident that unfolded on the streets of Mapusa, police have arrested five tourists from Hassan, Karnataka, following a heated confrontation with an off-duty Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) police constable. The dispute, which stemmed from a traffic jam near Hutatma Chowk, escalated quickly, leading to the detention of the accused individuals.
Details of the Arrested Accused
The arrested individuals have been identified as Anil Rajan Gowda, aged 33, Manu Range Gowda, 30, Naveen Swami Gowda, 31, Sagar Range Gowda, 25, and Avinash Swami Gowda, 28. All five are residents of Hassan district in Karnataka and were visiting Goa as tourists when the incident occurred.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Confrontation
The altercation began while IRB constable Connie Mascarenhas was en route to his duty post in Colvale. As vehicles were stuck in a traffic jam, the tourists exited their vehicle and approached the constable's car. What started as a verbal argument quickly turned physical when the tourists began banging on the windows of the constable's vehicle.
In a bold move, the tourists forcibly snatched the car keys from Constable Mascarenhas, further escalating the situation. However, the confrontation did not go unnoticed, as bystanders at the scene intervened promptly. These witnesses stepped in and compelled the tourists to return the keys to the constable, preventing the situation from worsening.
Police Intervention and Aftermath
Upon receiving reports of the incident, Mapusa police were called to the scene. They swiftly detained the five tourists for their involvement in the altercation. The police are currently investigating the matter to determine the full extent of the events and any potential charges that may be filed against the accused.
This incident highlights the tensions that can arise in crowded traffic situations and underscores the importance of maintaining calm and following legal protocols during disputes. The Mapusa police have emphasized that such behavior will not be tolerated, and appropriate action will be taken to ensure public safety and order.