After Tiff Over Pet Dogs, Visitor From Delhi Runs Over Local Woman In Goa

Panaji: A 23-year-old tourist from Delhi allegedly ran over and killed a Goanese woman intentionally after a dispute over pet dogs.

The man, identified as Deepan Rajeev Batra, has been arrested and charged under Sections 103 and 281 of BNS, informed North Goa SP Akshat Kaushal.

The incident took place in North Goa’s Pernem, around 11 pm on Friday. Maria Feliz Fernandes, who had two pet dogs, was having problems with the Batra family for the last few days.

The Batras, who were visiting Goa and had put up nearby, have a pet dog. Every time they came near the Fernandes’ house, close to the beach, there would be a ruckus as the dogs would get excited.

Maria had even requested the tourists to walk their dog closer to the beach to avoid any confrontation with her pets.

“According to reports, the Batras refused to pay heed to Maria’s request. On Friday night, there was another ruckus when they brought their dog close to her residence. Maria protested but, as per reports, the mother of the accused pulled her by the hair and threw her to the ground. Maria’s son Joseph was also injured in the scuffle. Finally, some neighbours intervened and helped Maria up and made her sit on a chair outside the house. The Batras left but within a few minutes, Deepan drove down the path at high speed and ploughed into Maria, who was still seated on her chair,” police said.

According to onlookers, Maria was dragged under the car for at least 10 metres before she was crushed under the wheels.

Batra sped away but the entire episode was captured by CCTV cameras.

The woman died on the spot and a complaint was registered at Mandrem police station. Police scanned CCTV footage and identified the car before arresting Batra.

The shocking incident led to outrage among locals.

This may not be an isolated case.

Video footage of outsiders engaging in violence against locals at several locations have emerged in the last few months. A recent video showed tourists on two-wheelers attacking a local cab driver over a trivial issue.

Some say lower tourist footfalls this season in Goa may be linked to incidents like these.