Panaji: Social Welfare minister Subhash Phal Desai was attacked with stones on Monday when he was returning after installing statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Sao Joao De Areal village in South Goa.
Talking to PTI, Phal Desai said that a mob which was opposing installation of the statue pelted stones at home, after a brief discussion with them in the village. The minister said that few stones hit him, including one on his head, due to which he received minor injury.
Phal Desai said that he will not file a police complaint to ensure that there is no communal discord in the state.
The villagers of Sao Joao de Areal near Margao town in South Goa were protesting against the installation of the statue in their village since Sunday. Police had kept strong presence in the village since last night fearing law and order situation.
The incident happened on Monday afternoon when the minister was returning after inaugurating the statue.
Phal Desai said that he had started conversation with the aggrieved villagers which remained inconclusive.
He said that the statue is installed in a private property which is donated for the purpose by a muslim local.
