Goa, Aug. 7 -- Twenty-seven villagers from Sao Jose de Areal appeared before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court in Margao on Wednesday in connection with a protest that took place on February 19, 2024. The protest was staged against the installation of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which locals alleged was carried out without the requisite approval from the village Panchayat.

The demonstration escalated into a tense standoff during the visit of Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai. According to the police, protestors threw mud and stones at officers, resulting in injuries to several personnel. Based on a chargesheet filed by the Maina Curtorim police, the 27 villagers have been booked under multiple sectio...