Merces murder: Juvenile, constable among accused

Panaji: After the body of history-sheeter Vishal Golatkar, 35, was found in a thicket at Merces on Sunday afternoon, police managed to crack the case in less than 12 hours and arrested Golatkar’s friend-turned-foe, Sai alias Cobra, and four others for the crime, including a juvenile.
On Monday, police arrested a fifth accused, Amey Volvoikar, 25, who was a police constable recruit and undergoing training at Valpoi.
North Goa SP Nidhin Valsan said the murder was not associated with gang rivalry and was due to some personal fights between Golatkar and Sai. “Teams were formed under SDPO Sudesh Naik. We have apprehended Pandurang Chari, 19, Gauresh Gawas, 25, Tushar Kundaikar, 38, and one juvenile. It was learned after interrogation that Sai is the main accused,” said Valsan.
While Golatkar’s body was discovered on Sunday afternoon, he was murdered on Saturday night, said police. While Golatkar had eight cases pending against him, there was one 2017 case pending against Sai.
“Sai and Golatkar were in a good relationship, but Golatkar used to treat Sai very badly, which aroused feelings of vengeance in Sai as he could not tolerate Golatkar’s bad behaviour. At times, there was physical abuse as well. This behaviour was repetitive, because of which Sai planned the crime along with his accomplices,” said Valsan.
Sai provoked Golatkar to come to a specified place where he was waiting along with his accomplices, said Valsan. “They used sharp, iron rods and other deadly weapons to beat him and inflict other injuries. Golatkar died on the spot, after which the accused used Golatkar’s motorcycle to dispose of his body. The body and motorcycle were found at the same spot.” All accused are from Merces, said the SP.
The murder was committed around 1.5km from where the body was found, which was close to Sai’s house.
“There is no gang war; police have taken action against gangs. This is a case of vengeance,” Valsan said.
The court has remanded five of the accused to seven days’ police custody, while the juvenile has been lodged at Apna Ghar.
The postmortem examination has been conducted, and the report is awaited, said police.