Panaji: The Crime Branch has filed a chargesheet before the JMFC, Merces against Yaseen Shaikh (33) and Mohammad Gous (32), both residents of Belagavi, Karnataka, for alleged acts endangering life or personal safety of others, wrongful restraint, and criminal intimidation in the case of Gujarat youth, Bashudev Bhandari (22), who was feared to have drowned after the rent-a-car he was driving plunged into the river at the St Estevam ferry wharf on September 1 last year.
Based on documentary records, technical analysis, and witness statements, police suspect Bhandari drowned in the river. However, his body has not been found. The chargesheet was filed last week and the matter is likely to come up for hearing on October 6 before the JMFC, Merces.
The case stems from a complaint by Balaram Bhandari of Bharuch, Gujarat, who said that on September 1, around 1.40 am at the Tolto ferry point in St Estevam, unidentified persons in another car intentionally chased his brother Bashudev and his girlfriend, who were in a rent-a-car.
Police said the accused followed the victims closely and persistently. At the ferry ramp, the rent-a-car was unable to reverse because of an obstruction caused by the other vehicle. Fearing for their safety, Bhandari steered the car left, causing it to plunge into the river and sink.
While the woman managed to escape, Bashudev went missing. Police said the incident was triggered by road rage and intimidation, including threats issued by the accused.
The case was transferred to the Crime Branch, Ribandar, from Old Goa police station. The sunken car was recovered, and Bhandari’s belongings, including his mobile phone earlier reported missing, were found inside. Police said the investigation could not include provisions of culpable homicide since the body had not been recovered.
“In criminal cases, recovery of the dead body is essential to prove the death of the person,” police said.
