The Margao Sessions Court is expected to pronounce its order at 10 am tomorrow on the anticipatory bail plea filed by 47-year-old Malcolm Agnelo Pereira of Bamado, Chinchinim, in connection with the alleged assault on Chinchinim-Deussua Sarpanch Gerson Gomes.

The anticipatory bail arguments have been completed, with Cuncolim Police strongly opposing the relief sought by Pereira and submitting that his custodial interrogation is necessary for an effective and unhindered investigation.

According to the police reply filed before the Sessions Court, Pereira allegedly assaulted Gomes following an argument over the collection of ‘Sopo’ at the Chinchinim-Deussua Panchayat office on September 7. Police allege that Gomes was pushed down a staircase and kicked in the chest and head, following which he required hospital treatment.

Police have also informed the court that Pereira’s antecedents were verified and cited five cases or proceedings recorded between 2018 and 2026. These include matters registered under provisions of the IPC, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

The investigating agency has further alleged that Pereira did not cooperate satisfactorily during questioning and maintained that custodial interrogation would be required to properly investigate the allegations.

As part of the investigation, Cuncolim Police have seized Pereira’s mobile phone. The device is likely to undergo forensic examination, including scrutiny of its social media activity. Police have alleged that more than a dozen videos targeting and allegedly defaming the Panchayat and the Sarpanch were uploaded from the same device.

The police have also alleged that the complainant’s son was threatened with murder in an attempt to force the withdrawal of the case.

On these grounds, the police have urged the court to reject Pereira’s anticipatory bail plea and permit custodial interrogation as part of the ongoing investigation.

The Sessions Court is expected to pronounce its order at 10 am tomorrow.