A 23-year-old college student from Goa‘s Mapusa allegedly died by suicide hours after a video purportedly showing him dumping garbage by the roadside went viral on social media and led to the registration of a police case.
The deceased, Samuel de Braganca, had recently completed his second year of graduation and lived with his mother and two sisters.
Viral video led to police action
According to police, a citizen recorded a video on Thursday allegedly showing Braganca throwing garbage in a public place.
The person filming the incident was reportedly seen requesting him to remove the waste and assuring him that the video would be deleted if he complied.
Following a complaint and circulation of the footage online, police registered an FIR under the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act.
The complaint alleged that Braganca had unlawfully littered a public place, causing nuisance and creating sanitation concerns.
Student questioned and allowed to return home
Mapusa Superintendent of Police Salim Shaikh said Braganca was called to the police station, served a notice and later allowed to return home.
His mother and one of his sisters were also present at the police station before leaving together.
Police noted that offences under the Act generally attract fines, although provisions for imprisonment also exist.
Death under investigation
Around 1.30 am on Friday, police received information about a firing incident at Braganca’s residence.
Officers rushed to the house and allegedly found that he had shot himself in the bathroom.
Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death and are also trying to determine the source of the firearm used in the incident.
Chief Minister orders inquiry
Following the tragedy, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said an inquiry would be conducted into the incident.
Authorities have stated that further investigations are underway.