Subhash Phal Desai suffers minor injury: Stones pelted after unveiling Shivaji statue in Sao Joao De Areal village in South Goa

PANAJI, (PTI): Goa Social Welfare minister Subhash Phal Desai was attacked and stones were pelted at him on Monday while he was returning after installing statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Sao Joao De Areal village in South Goa.

Speaking to PTI, Phal Desai said a mob which was opposing installation of the statue pelted stones at home, after a brief discussion with them in the village. The minister said that few stones hit him, including one on his head, due to which he received a minor injury.

Phal Desai said that he will not file a police complaint to ensure that there is no communal discord in the state.

The villagers of Sao Joao de Areal near Margao town in South Goa were protesting against the installation of the statue in their village since Sunday. Police maintained a strong presence in the village fearing a law and order situation.

The incident happened on Monday afternoon when the minister was returning after inaugurating the statue.

Phal Desai said that he had talks with the aggrieved villagers which remained inconclusive as the villagers refused to allow the installation of the statute.

Phal Desai said that the statue was installed in private property and was donated by a Muslim local. “It is not a government function,” the minister told PTI.