Actor Gaurav Bakshi arrested by Goa police for `blocking' minister's car
Panaji (PTI): Goa police on Thursday arrested actor Gaurav Bakshi for allegedly restraining the movement of state Animal Husbandry Minister Nilkant Halarnkar by blocking his car, an official said.
Bakshi, who has acted in web series and a few films, claimed in his counter-complaint that it was the minister's car that had blocked his way.
The actor was arrested after Halarnkar's personal security officer (PSO) filed a complaint at Colvale police station in North Goa district, a senior police official said.
He was booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections related to "obstructing public servant" and "wilful restraint", the official added.
The minister told reporters that the incident took place when he was leaving in his car after attending a function at Revora panchayat hall in North Goa district on Wednesday.
The accused's car blocked his path, and Bakshi threatened his PSO when asked to move his vehicle, the minister alleged.
Bakshi, for his part, released a video stating that he had filed a complaint against the minister at the local police station over the incident at the panchayat office.
Advocate Nigel Da Costa, lawyer representing Bakshi, in a media statement released here has said that bail application was moved before Judicial Magistrate First Class, Mapusa on Thursday at 9 pm.
“But the investigating officer turned up at 9.15 pm and sought time. The learned magistrate had to adjourn the matter to 10 am tomorrow (Friday),”he said.
In a statement released here on Thursday, Colvale police said Rohan Parab, PSO of the minister, filed a complaint that Bakshi, at around 4:05pm on July 10, wrongfully restrained the minister by parking his vehicle in front of minister’s government vehicle.
The minister was in Revora Panchayat in his official capacity to attend a sapling distribution function, the statement said.
The accused did not move his vehicle despite repeated requests and deterred the complainant from performing his official duty, police said.
The 47-year-old actor was arrested under section 126 (7) (obstruction of a way), 221 (confinement of public servant) and 132 (restraining public servant) of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).
Da Costa, meanwhile, said Bakshi's arrest was abuse of power by the police.
"Bakshi had surrendered to the police but we were later informed that section 132 of BNS, which pertains to a non bailable offence, was added," Da Costa claimed.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had said earlier in the day that the government had taken cognisance of the incident. "He (Bakshi) would be arrested," Sawant said.
Bakshi, who has acted in the web series "Bombay Begums" and "Naxalbari" among others, runs a start-up in Goa.
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Speaker UT Khader attends local cricket tournament during Bhatkal visit
Bhatkal: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U. T. Khader visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday and attended a local cricket match being played as part of a tournament organised by the Cosmos Sports Centre of Bhatkal.
After attending a programme at Anjuman Hami-E-Muslimeen, Khader proceeded to the Bhatkal Taluka Stadium, where the tournament is underway. He was accompanied by office-bearers of the Cosmos Sports Centre and several local community leaders.
Those present during the visit included President of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem and former JD(S) leader Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President of Tanzeem Atiqur Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ, President of Cosmos Sports Centre Ismail Anjum, Managing Director of Mohtisham Complexes S. M. Arshad, former president of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, among others.
Addressing players and organisers, Khader extended his best wishes to the participating teams and urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. He said such tournaments help promote unity and brotherhood among the youth.
The cricket tournament began on November 21 and will conclude with the final match on December 21. It is being organised as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cosmos Sports Centre.
Cosmos Sports Centre is one of the member clubs of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and is known for its active role in promoting sports in the town. Apart from sporting activities, the centre is also involved in various social and community initiatives, including efforts to promote education among students.
