Daijiworld Media Network - Mapusa

Mapusa, Jan 19: A disagreement over the operation of rental bikes escalated into violence in Saligao on Sunday evening, leaving a local businessman and his son assaulted by a group of men.

Mahesh Naik, who runs a bike rental service, and his son Manjit Naik, both residents of Grand Morod, were allegedly attacked near a hotel in Saligao. The incident reportedly stemmed from tensions surrounding a recently introduced queue system for renting bikes in the area.

Following a complaint filed by Manjit Naik, the Saligao police registered a case against Krishna Kerkar, Rajendra Kerkar and Dilip Kerkar, all from Grand Morod, for allegedly assaulting Mahesh and Manjit with fists and kicks and issuing threats. Two others, Latesh Mandrekar and Nilesh Mandrekar, have been accused of restraining Mahesh Naik and preventing him from coming to his son’s aid during the altercation.

According to the complaint, the confrontation was triggered when Mahesh Naik chose not to participate in the newly implemented queue system, preferring to operate his rental business independently. This decision allegedly angered the accused, leading to the assault.

“We were attacked without any provocation while carrying on our bike rental work,” Mahesh Naik said. “I am not part of that system and will continue to run my business on my own terms.”

Police said investigations are underway to ascertain the sequence of events and the role of each accused in the incident.