Daijiworld Media Network - Colva

Colva, Jul 12: Colva Police on Saturday arrested a woman accused of assaulting her 83-year-old father-in-law, a day after a viral social media video prompted the registration of a criminal case.

The accused, Irene Gonsalves, has been taken into custody for allegedly assaulting her father-in-law, Loyala Souza. Police have booked her under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 24 of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. The same charges have also been filed against her husband, Isidoreo Souza, who has been named as the prime accused.

Investigating Officer and Colva Police Inspector Videsh Shirodkar said the offences are bailable as they carry a maximum punishment of less than seven years' imprisonment.

According to police, the elderly victim sustained an injury to one ear, while the remaining injuries are believed to be minor. The final medical opinion is still awaited.

Following the incident, the octogenarian has been shifted to the residence of relatives in Cortalim, where he is currently receiving care.

The case was registered based on a complaint lodged by Crisostomo Mariano Soares of Cuncolim after he came across the viral video allegedly showing the elderly man being assaulted inside his home.

Police said the footage appears to show Irene repeatedly slapping the victim and striking him with slippers. It further allegedly shows Isidoreo joining the assault, hitting his father with slaps and punches while both accused are seen verbally abusing, threatening and humiliating him.

Inspector Shirodkar said the investigation is being conducted on priority and police are aiming to file the chargesheet before the court within a week.