Activist protesting mining in Goa village attacked in lock-up

An activist, who was part of a mob which protested mining operations in Cauvrem village of South Goa, was allegedly assaulted by inmates inside a judicial lock-up in Sada sub-jail here, police said today.
According to police, Ravindra Velip, who was amongst five activists arrested yesterday after protests against mining, was assaulted last night by the inmates.
"We received information that one inmate was assaulted in Sada judicial lock-up. We approached Velip but he refused to file a formal complaint," police inspector Kapil Naik, in-charge of Mormugao police station told reporters here.
The assault happened minutes before Velip was supposed to be released on bail.

Jail authorities said since the inmate has not filed any complaint, an inquiry cannot be initiated.
"Once he was out on bail, he went to Goa Medical College and got himself treated," a senior jail official said.
Villagers of Cauvrem are protesting against transportation of ore by a mining firm through their village road. The iron ore export in Goa has begun after Supreme Court lifted the ban imposed on the mining activity.