Social activist among 3 hurt in attack

Panaji, Oct 14 (UNI) Three people, including social activist Adv Aires Rodrigues, were wounded in an assault by a gang of armed men in a city restaurant.

Goa NGO Utt Goenkara spokesman Adv Rodrigues, his friend Prof Sakhardande and their driver were at a restaurant, when a group of about four to five masked men barged in and attacked Adv Rodgrigues with swords and choppers, late last night said Prof Shakardande.

The assailants reportedly attacked on Adv Rodrigues' chest and severed two fingers of his right hand, he said, adding, ''When we tried to resist, they attacked us as well.'' Without disclosing the names of the attackers, he alleged that the attack could be linked to Adv Rodrigues' recent camapign against a Minister.

All the three were admitted to a private hospital, where Adv Rodrigues underwent an emergency surgery. Doctors at the hospital confirmed that he was out of danger.

North Goa Superintendent of Police Bosco George, who rushed to the hospital along with his team, said he had no knowledge about the details of the incident. ''We have started investigation into the case.'' Police went to the restaurant and conducted a panchanama. The details are awaited, sources said.

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