Daijiworld Media Network - Curchorem

Curchorem, Feb 16: Police arrested a 43-year-old engineer in connection with the fatal road accident that claimed the life of senior journalist Paul Carvalho (60) of Curchorem. The accused, Eknath Gawde, a resident of Keri-Ponda and employed as an engineer in the irrigation department at Ponda, was later released on bail.

He was produced before the Sessions Court in Quepem, which granted him bail on a bond of Rs 50,000.

The tragic accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon. Carvalho was returning home on his Pleasure scooter (GA-02-S-5010) when a Toyota car (GA-05-F-3449) allegedly driven at high speed from behind rammed into his two-wheeler.

The impact of the collision was so severe that Carvalho was flung nearly 10 metres away. His helmet was thrown off, and he sustained grievous head injuries.

He was initially admitted to the Curchorem Sub-District Hospital and later shifted to the District Hospital in Margao for further treatment. As his condition worsened, he was referred to Goa Medical College and Hospital at Bambolim. However, he succumbed to his injuries on Friday afternoon, two days after the accident.

Police investigations revealed that the accused was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. During the probe, it was found that Gawde lost control of the vehicle while attempting to overtake another car, leading to the collision with Carvalho’s scooter.

Curchorem police registered a case against Gawde under Sections 105, 281 and 125(D) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with Section 185 (driving under the influence of alcohol), and arrested him.