Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Feb 23: Goa police on Saturday arrested Deepan Rajeev Batra (23), a Delhi resident, for allegedly running over and killing Maria Joao Fernandes, a Mandrem resident, following a heated altercation over a dog-related issue.

The incident occurred around 9 pm on Friday near Junaswada, Mandrem. Furious villagers gathered at the local police station, demanding Batra’s immediate arrest. They dispersed only after authorities assured them that a murder case would be registered.

North Goa SP Akshat Kaushal stated that initial reports suggested an accident, but further investigation revealed that Batra deliberately hit Fernandes with his car while she was placing a chair outside her house. The accused, a former Dubai-based chef currently working on a film project in Goa, was arrested, and his vehicle was seized.

The conflict allegedly began when Batra, who was out walking his dog with his parents, got into a verbal and physical altercation with Fernandes’ son. The argument escalated into a scuffle, leaving both sides with injuries. After the fight, Batra got into his car and reportedly rammed into Fernandes.

Police have booked Batra under Sections 103 (Murder) and 281 (Rash Driving) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. A forensic examination of the crime scene and the vehicle has been conducted as investigations continue.