Daijiworld Media Network- Margao

Margao, Aug 13: Panic gripped the otherwise quiet early morning hours in Margao when a violent gang clash erupted on the busy Margao-Colva stretch at Mungul, leaving two young men critically injured and sparking a massive police operation.

According to police sources, the incident occurred around 2:45 am near Sagun Restaurant when a Baleno car, returning from Colva, was waylaid by a convoy of vehicles carrying about 15 armed assailants. The attackers, some masked, were reportedly armed with pistols, koitas, iron rods, and even soda bottles.

The victims — identified as Yuvkesh Singh Badaila of Margao and his friend Rafiq — sustained serious injuries while resisting the onslaught. A third occupant of the car managed to escape unharmed. Both injured were rushed to Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim.

Eyewitnesses allege that the attackers first blocked the Baleno using their vehicles before opening fire and smashing the car windows. A live cartridge was recovered from the scene, further confirming the use of firearms.

SP South Goa Tikam Singh said the victims suffered injuries to their hands and other body parts. “The manner of attack clearly indicates intent to kill,” he remarked. Based on a complaint by Yuvkesh, police have named five accused — Akshay Talwar, Rahul Talwar (both of Borda-Fatorda), Wilson Carvalho, Shahrukh, and Rasool (all of Margao) — along with several unidentified accomplices.

An FIR under sections pertaining to attempt to murder and the Arms Act has been registered. Eight suspects, including three of the named accused, have been detained. An Innova and a Fronx car allegedly used in the attack have been seized by Fatorda police.

Coastal drug links, old rivalry under probe

Investigators are probing whether the bloody confrontation was linked to an old gang rivalry or the coastal drug network in Salcete. Sources revealed that the attack may have been intended for the leader of Yuvkesh’s group, in revenge for an earlier assault at Colva. However, the plan faltered when the target was not in the vehicle.

Police are also examining the possible involvement of a notorious history-sheeter from Tiswadi, suspected to have orchestrated the ambush. The possibility of a pre-attack meeting in Quepem to finalise the assault is also being investigated.

SP Singh assured that the motive will be established after thorough interrogation of the accused. “Multiple teams are on the job, and cross-district criminal links are under close scrutiny,” he said.