Former Goa MLA Lavoo Mamledar.

Panaji:

Police arrested a shack owner in Goa and are interrogating his staff in connection with the murder of a local man at Arambol beach over putting up chairs, an official said on Monday.

Goa Police spokesman said Amar Bandekar (39) was allegedly fatally attacked by the main accused Surender Kumar, who hails from Himachal Pradesh, and his staff on Sunday after he objected to putting chairs on the beach beyond the prescribed area.

Police said Bandekar was attacked with sharp and hard objects, kicked, and slapped repeatedly.

Bandekar, who suffered grievous injuries, ran away from the spot to save himself. He, however, couldn’t go farther and collapsed.

“Bandekar was shifted to the Community Health Centre at Tuem (Pernem) where he was declared dead,” the police official said, adding that further investigation is underway.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Panaji:

Goa could face beef shortage ahead of Christmas and New Year with meat traders in the state going on a strike to protest against increased harassment’ by cow vigilante groups.

The shut-down started on Monday under the banner of Quraishi Meat Traders Association (QMTA).

In a letter to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the association claimed there was an increase in attacks from right-wing Hindu organisations on shops which sell beef legally.

“The recent attack happened in Margao. We want action against these groups. We need protection from the government,” said Abdul Bepari, a QMTA member.

Police have failed to take action despite receiving complaints, he said, adding that meat traders would continue the strike till they get an assurance from the government about their security.

As per government statistics, 20-25 tonnes of beef is sold in the coastal state daily, and the sale increases during tourist and festive seasons.

Congress MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira told reporters on Monday that incidents of vigilantism were occurring across the state. “Whether it is meat traders or any organisation, one must abide by the law,” he said.

There have been instances where mobs suddenly entered houses to check the fridge or cupboard for beef, he said. “This is absolutely trespassing and they have no authority to go there,” the MLA added.

Cow vigilante groups also demand that they be allowed to inspect meat at shops though they do not have any authority, said Carlos Alvares Ferreira.

“These people do not belong to any recognised bodies, and even if they are recognised (organisations), they have no right to enter shops and do such activities,” he said.

Chief minister Sawant on Monday had said the state-run Goa Meat Complex Limited will cater to the beef requirement. “The meat complex provides hygienic beef,” he had said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)