Daijiworld Media Network – Mandrem

Mandrem, Jul 13: Tension gripped Mandrem on Friday night as a large group of villagers stormed the local police station, demanding strict action against a man accused of theft at a local temple, who allegedly threatened and assaulted witnesses after being released on bail.

The accused, Vinod Patekar, was earlier arrested for allegedly stealing money from the Hanuman temple in Madhalamaj-Mandrem. However, after securing bail, he reportedly began threatening key witnesses in the case. According to temple officials, Patekar even physically assaulted one of the witnesses at a tavern.

Speaking to reporters outside the Mandrem police station, temple president Ranganath Kalshawkar expressed serious concern. “After being released on bail, Patekar has been intimidating witnesses. He is a threat to the peace of our village and should be barred from entering Mandrem,” Kalshawkar said.

The villagers, accompanied by temple authorities, filed a fresh complaint against Patekar. Following the outcry, Mandrem police detained him once again. Sources say that Patekar is a habitual offender with multiple cases registered against him in Mandrem, Pernem, and Bicholim police stations.

The villagers have urged authorities to take stringent action to prevent further disruption in the community.