PONDA: A formal criminal complaint has been lodged following a grave incident of road rage and physical assault involving Advocate Pushparaj R. Navelkar near Betora Junction on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The victim was reportedly set upon while passing through the junction en route to the Margao courts to attend a case.
According to the complaint filed with the Ponda Police, the altercation was precipitated when an unidentified motorcyclist allegedly bypassed a traffic signal and pursued the advocate. The assailant is reported to have used physical force to strike the complainant’s moving scooter, compelling an immediate and hazardous stop. Upon halting the victim, the accused allegedly engaged in wrongful restraint by positioning his vehicle to obstruct any means of egress.
The situation escalated into physical violence as the assailant allegedly subjected the advocate to sustained verbal abuse using derogatory language, followed by a series of punches and kicks. It is further alleged in the complaint that the assailant persisted in his aggressive conduct even after being informed of the victim’s identity as an advocate who was proceeding to attend a case. The intervention of a third party, a union leader representing road transport workers, successfully prevented a potentially lethal escalation involving a stone.
Significant concern has been raised regarding the assailant’s vehicle, which reportedly featured a distorted front registration plate and lacked a rear plate entirely, suggesting a premeditated attempt to evade identification. Although the suspect was subsequently apprehended and produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), he was later released during the remand proceedings. The local Bar and legal community have expressed serious concern regarding the safety of professionals in the discharge of their duties following this incident.
