Daijiworld Media Network - Mapusa
Mapusa, Jun 8: A quiet evening in Mapusa turned into an emotional outpouring of grief and protest on Sunday as residents, youth groups and community leaders gathered for a candlelight march seeking justice for 22-year-old Samuel Braganza, whose death has triggered widespread outrage across Goa.
The gathering began peacefully, with participants holding candles and placards as they walked through the town in silence. However, the march soon culminated outside the Mapusa Police Station, where demonstrators raised slogans and demanded a fair investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Protesters called for the suspension of police officials linked to the case and urged that the investigation be transferred to the Crime Branch, alleging lapses in the handling of the inquiry. Many expressed concern that procedural and institutional failures may have contributed to the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
Several speakers at the protest highlighted what they described as the psychological impact of public exposure, social media circulation of sensitive content and the role of institutions in handling the case. They argued that greater caution and empathy should have been exercised throughout the process.
Jitesh Kamat, a local resident and president of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) in Mapusa, questioned the manner in which the initial inquiry was conducted and raised concerns about whether the response from authorities was proportionate to the alleged offence.
He also pointed to reported post-mortem findings that indicated injuries on the deceased and called for the suspension of officers involved in the investigation until a transparent inquiry is completed.
Residents who joined the march remembered Samuel as a soft-spoken and respectful young man who largely kept to himself. Neighbour Vijay Bhike described him as calm and unassuming, saying the community had lost a young life under distressing circumstances.
Several participants also criticised the alleged circulation of videos and images on social media that reportedly revealed Samuel’s identity, arguing that media outlets and online platforms should have exercised greater sensitivity in reporting the case.
Youth Congress leader Naushad Chowdhary also demanded strict action against officials involved in the investigation and questioned the ethics of publishing content that may have exposed the victim publicly.
As voices from the crowd shared their concerns, a recurring theme emerged: the belief that Samuel had been subjected to emotional distress and public humiliation in the days leading up to his death, raising broader questions about accountability and procedural safeguards.
The most emotional moment of the evening came when Samuel’s sister addressed the gathering, describing her brother as a reserved and gentle individual who avoided conflict. She alleged that both he and the family were humiliated during the investigation and appealed for justice on his behalf.
While the candlelight march concluded peacefully, the demands raised by participants—including a transparent probe, accountability of officials, and sensitivity in public reporting—remain unresolved.
For Samuel’s family and supporters, the search for answers continues, as the community grapples with grief and pressing questions about institutional responsibility and social accountability.