Panaji, Sep 14 : Top BJP leaders and alliance ministers in the BJP-led coalition cabinet on Friday met ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar at a private clinic in Candolim village.

The former Defence Minister was admitted to the health facility two days ago.

Parrikar -- who earlier on Friday attended Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at his ancestral home in Parra village, located about 10 km from Panaji -- is fine, both PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar of the MGP and Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardesai of Goa Forward said, after meeting the Chief Minister.

This is the first time Parrikar, 62, has met members of his cabinet as well as top BJP leaders since September 6, when he returned from his third visit to the US, where he is undergoing treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer.

"His health is good," Sardesai told reporters, after meeting Parrikar at the private clinic in Candolim beach village, located 15 km from Panaji.

Dhavalikar said the Chief Minister was working at the hospital and clearing files.

When asked if the alliance leaders had sought a change of Parrikar's leadership, in view of the Chief Minister's poor health, Dhavalikar said: "He is doing work. When he is doing work, where is the question of taking charge."

BJP sources also said central observers would arrive in Goa soon to take stock of the political situation in view of Parrikar's illness.

The Chief Minister has been recuperating at his private residence near Panaji ever since his return from the US on September 6.

He was admitted to the private clinic last week, before being admitted a second time, two days ago, after informed sources said he had developed fever.




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Bengaluru (PTI): A 45-year-old mechanic was allegedly beaten to death in front of his children following a quarrel over a trivial issue here, police said on Monday.

The deceased was identified as Rasheed, who worked at a garage in the Wilson Garden area of the city, they said.

Seven people, including the main accused Parvez, have been arrested in connection with the murder that occurred on Sunday evening.

A video of the alleged attack was widely circulated on social media platforms.

According to police, Rasheed and Parvez allegedly argued over some work related to construction. During the altercation, Parvez allegedly hit Ahmed on the leg with a bat. Ahmed fell to the ground and hit his head on the pavement, resulting in his death.

"A case has been registered in connection with the incident that occurred under the jurisdiction of Wilson Garden police station. Based on the complaint, statements of the complainant, eyewitness accounts, information from locals and other evidence, police have so far arrested seven accused," a senior police officer said.

Inquiry is on to ascertain the exact motive, but prima facia, it appears that the quarrel escalated over the construction of a concrete roof for the garage shop where he worked, he said.

Asked if it was related to demands for protection money, the officer said, "We have noticed certain claims appearing in some places, but we need time to confirm whether they are true or not. The verification process is ongoing," he said.