Shirvoi knife attack: Woman still critical, hot hunt for accused

Margao: The 21-year-old woman who was brutally attacked in broad daylight on Monday continues to fight for her life in a hospital, while her assailant remains at large. Sakshi Naik, a resident of Borim-Shiroda, sustained severe injuries after being stabbed in the abdomen at Shirvoi, Quepem.
According to the complaint filed by Angel Travasso, who was with the victim during the attack, the accused, Anant Kadam, followed them in his car between 1.15pm and 1.45pm.
Kadam allegedly rammed into their scooter before physically assaulting both women. When Naik refused to enter his vehicle, he allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed her in the left side of her stomach.
Police sources said that multiple teams have been deployed to track down Kadam. They said several locations in Margao and the surrounding areas were searched. Police have also gathered CCTV footage from the area and are analysing it for leads. The dog squad and forensic experts have been pressed into service.
Sources said that Kadam and Naik were acquaintances, although the exact nature of their relationship and the motive behind the attack are still under investigation. The accused faces charges under Sections 126(2) (wrongful restraint) and 109 (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police said that Kadam was selected for recruitment into the state police force in 2023; however, he failed to complete his police training. Midway through his training in Delhi, he returned home.