CANACONA: Canacona Police have arrested a 22-year-old youth for allegedly terrorising residents, motorists, family members and police personnel by brandishing two koitas (sickles) at Gulem on Tuesday night.
The accused, identified as Sameer Chawan, allegedly threatened to kill motorists after stopping vehicles on the public road. He had reportedly threatened his family members before creating panic in the locality.
According to sources, some residents attempted to intervene and calm him down, but he allegedly became aggressive and tried to attack those present.
Police rushed to the spot following an alert and managed to apprehend him. However, the accused reportedly broke free from custody and escaped into nearby thick vegetation under the cover of darkness.
The incident triggered panic among locals, with residents expressing fears over their safety. Canacona Police Inspector Therron D’Costa reportedly warned the family that action could be taken if the youth did not surrender.
Canacona MLA and Minister Ramesh Tawadkar and Congress leader Janardhan Bhandari also reached the spot along with the police inspector to discuss the situation with the family.
The family, reportedly from Maharashtra, has been operating a roadside blacksmith unit at Gulem for several years, manufacturing traditional agricultural and household tools, including koitas, knives and pickaxes. Locals reportedly demanded that the family vacate the premises following repeated disturbances.
Police subsequently launched a search operation and arrested Chawan on Wednesday.
Sources said the accused appeared to be experiencing mental health-related difficulties and was shifted to a hospital in Panaji for medical examination and treatment.
The incident has raised concerns among Gulem residents, who have called for timely police intervention to prevent further disturbances and ensure public safety.
