SANQUELIM, Goa – A young woman from Sanquelim, Goa, was hospitalized after a brutal attack on Valentine’s Day, leaving her with serious injuries. The 24-year-old suspect, Manthan Gawde from Kalwada-Usgao, assaulted the woman as she was walking to work in the early morning, hitting her on the head with a beer bottle. Despite her attempts to escape, she was left alone and injured for nearly two to two and a half hours, suffering from critical bleeding.
The woman managed to reach the main road around 9 a.m., where passers-by found her in a pool of blood and rushed her to Goa Medical College for urgent medical attention. The severity of her condition prompted immediate action from the Ponda police, who launched an investigation into the incident.
It was revealed that the suspect had been infatuated with the victim and had repeatedly harassed her despite her rejections. Even after a prior complaint was filed against him for harassment, the suspect continued to torment the young woman, disregarding police intervention and warnings to stop contacting her. This pattern of persistent harassment led to the violent attack on Valentine’s Day.
Following the assault, the suspect attempted to end his life by jumping from the Usgao bridge but was swiftly apprehended by police. He has since been detained, and further investigations are being conducted by Ponda Police.
The victim’s ordeal highlights the serious consequences of unrequited love and the dangers of persistent harassment. It also underscores the need for swift and effective interventions by law enforcement to protect individuals from such violence and prevent further harm.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help and support when facing harassment and the critical role of society in addressing and preventing such harmful behavior. It also sheds light on the urgency of creating safe spaces and fostering a culture of respect and consent in relationships and interactions.