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calangute’s political cauldron on boil

Lobo, Sequeira in minor brawl over poll banners rnrnBoth suffer minor injuries; cross complaints filed

| DECEMBER 13, 2016, 04:55 AM IST



the goan I network
MAPUSA 
The war on election banners/party flags spilled on to 
the streets of Calangute with local MLA, Michael Lobo and Deputy Sarpanch Joesph Sequeira literally coming to blows resulting in simple injuries to both.   
Police have filed FIRs for assault and issuing threats against both after receiving cross complaints from the two. They also included an extra section of rioting against the local MLA as he was present at the scene of offence along with 50 others.   
According to sources in the police, the two confronted each other over planting of BJP flags at the Dolphin Circle in front of the St Alex Church in Calangute.   
The incident took place at around 12.45 pm when Deputy Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira sent one of his men to remove the BJP flags fixed at the Dolphin Circle.   
On getting wind of the move, local MLA Michael Lobo along with his supporters rushed to the spot and confronted the man and even got physical with him, sources said.   
Soon after, Deputy Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira turned up at the spot and challenged the local MLA. “In the melee, both the leaders went for each other and both suffering simple injuries,” a police source said.   
However, the timely arrival of police at the scene prevented the incident from escalating into a larger fight, the police source said further.   
Sequeira suffered an abrasion on his left eye, while Lobo claimed his hand was injured in the scuffle.   
While speaking to The Goan, Deputy Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira said the MLA made the first move and punched him with a knuckle duster.   
“Lobo came from behind and hit me with a knuckle duster. I was alone and he was with 50 of his supporters. If it was not for the police, he would have continued hitting me,” Sequeira said.   
Denying the allegation, Lobo said Sequeira made the first move. “When I lifted my arm to defend myself, I was struck on the arm and was hurt,” Lobo said.   
Based on Sequeira’s complaint, police registered a case for assault, rioting and issuing threat under Sections 143, 147, 353, 323, 504, 506(II) and 427 of the IPC against the local MLA and 50 others.   
On receiving a counter complaint from Lobo, police registered a case for assault and issuing threat under Sections 353, 504, 323 506 of the IPC against the deputy sarpanch. 

Frustrated BJP resorting to ‘goondagiri,’ chides Sequeira 

MAPUSA: Soon after the scuffle, Calangute MLA, Michael Lobo accused Deputy Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira of being frustrated, even as Sequeira hit back blaming the MLA and BJP of spreading ‘goonda raj’ in Calangute.   
“Sequeira is frustrated. He is harassing locals by sending notices. People of Calangute will teach him a lesson at the election,” Lobo said.   
He said that the MLA’s attack on him clearly showed that BJP was rattled and was now resorting to ‘goondagiri’.

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