Daijiworld Media Network - Mapusa

Mapusa, Jul 11: A court in Mapusa on Friday reserved its judgment in the 2013 Dhargalim-Pernem tollbooth vandalism case involving Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane. The verdict is scheduled to be pronounced on Jul 16.

Rane appeared before the court on Monday after a warrant had been issued against him. He had earlier appeared before the police on Sunday and furnished a personal bail bond.

The case relates to an incident in 2013 when Goa Police arrested Rane and eight others for allegedly vandalising a tollbooth near the Maharashtra-Goa border at Dhargalim in Pernem and assaulting toll plaza employees.

According to the police, the occupants of one of the vehicles allegedly got into an argument with tollbooth staff over the entry fee of Rs 250 per vehicle.

The dispute escalated after the staff informed them that the toll amount had been fixed by the government. The accused allegedly assaulted the employees and ransacked the tollbooth premises.

The court has reserved its judgment after hearing the matter and is expected to deliver its order on Jul 16.