Maharashtra minister appears in Goa court in 2013 toll plaza vandalism case

Panaji, Jul 6 (PTI) Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane appeared before a court in Goa on Monday in connection with the 2013 Dhargal-Pernem toll plaza vandalism and assault case, after a warrant was issued against him for failing to appear in the previous hearing. Rane, one of nine accused in the case, presented himself before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court in Mapusa. The minister's counsel informed the court that he had visited the concerned police station on Sunday to furnish a personal bail bond. The court has now scheduled the matter for final arguments on July 9. The court had issued a warrant on Saturday after the minister failed to attend the previous hearing. While Rane was absent during proceedings, the other eight co-accused — Rahul Parab, Mukund Parab, Harishchandra Parab, Rakesh Parab, Prashant Malkar, Vinamra Achrekar, Sagar Patil, and Santosh Raut — appeared before the court. The case pertains to an incident that occurred on December 3, 2013, following the Goa government’s decision to impose a Rs 250 entry fee for large vehicles at the Dhargal toll plaza in Pernem taluka. According to the prosecution, Rane was travelling from Sawantwadi in Maharashtra to Goa's Calangute with his supporters when they encountered the toll facility. The prosecution has alleged that the group assaulted employees and vandalised the toll booth after being asked to pay the fee. The accused then allegedly continued their journey to Calangute, where they were subsequently detained and arrested by the Pernem police. PTI RPS ARU