Maimed and mauled GT journalist Simon Alfonso is being treated

Maimed and mauled GT journalist Simon Alfonso is being treated
at GMC after the physical attack on him allegedly by the Chicalim
Sarpanch Raul D'Costa on Wednesday. Though his condition is not
alarming, it is serious as doctors have diagnosed suspected
fracture in the spinal cord without any neuro-vascular deficit.

Simon who was admitted at the Trauma ward late in the evening on
Wednesday was on Friday afternoon shifted to ward no 104. He is at the
moment undergoing treatment at GMC and will be out of action for
atleast six weeks.

Talking to this reporter from the hospital, Simon said, "My fault was
that I raised my voice against injustice and supported the villagers
in their fight. Is it wrong for a law abiding citizen to raise their
voice against injustice? Is the Sarpanch, who is supposed to protect
his village and its people, justified in hitting me and causing
injuries to me?"

According to Simon, he along with villagers were fighting against the
Pinky Shipyard's mega project in Chicalim. "We were coming to Panjim.
On the way we met Milan Borman at the panchayat premise. I got into a
heated argument with him. I didn't realise when the Sarpanch
approached me and started punching my face, which left me in shock and
pain", he said.

"It was unprovoked attack by the Sarpanch", he added.

When contacted, Dr Rajan Kunkolienkar, Medical Superintendent, GMC
said, "He is undergoing treatment at GMC and his condition is stable."