Political intimidation? Five masked men assault ex-Mandrem sarpanch

ATTACK LINKED TO VICTIM'S ASSOCIATION WITH CALANGUTE MLA ■ LEADERS, LOCALS DEMAND ARREST OF ACCUSED WITHIN 24 HOURS ■ PI TRANSFERRED

- | NETWORK

PERNEM In what is believed to have been a politically motivated attack, former Mandrem sarpanch Mahesh Konadkar, who has been linked to Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, was assaulted by five unidentified persons at Askawada-Mandrem on Wednesday.

This incident sparked off widespread anger in Pernem taluka, as leaders and residents condemned the assault and demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the assault on the former sarpanch within 24 hours, failing which there would be a law and order problem.

Mandrem police later registered a case in connection with the attack on former sarpanch Mahesh Konadkar and in a related development, the police inspector was also transferred out of the police station.

THE INCIDENT

According to sources, five persons wearing masks confronted Konadkar and assaulted him with an iron rod, after accusing Konadkar of aligning with Calangute MLA Michael Lobo.