Incident in Candolim Leads to a “Night of Horror”
Ayesha Takia’s husband, Farhan Azmi, was arrested in Goa following an altercation over alleged rash driving, which escalated into a heated confrontation. The former Bollywood actress took to Instagram to describe the ordeal as a “night of horror,” stating that her husband and their young son were “brutally bullied and scared for their life” after being confronted by a large group of locals.
Accusations of Targeted Harassment
According to reports, the incident took place in Candolim when Farhan Azmi, a businessman and the son of politician Abu Azmi, was driving a luxury SUV. Locals allegedly stopped him, accusing him of rash driving. Ayesha Takia claimed that the confrontation quickly turned hostile, with her family being unfairly targeted due to their Maharashtra origins and the vehicle they were driving.
Ayesha’s Statement on Social Media
Detailing the incident, Ayesha Takia wrote on Instagram, “They were tormented for hours, with locals cursing them for being from Maharashtra and driving a large car.” She further alleged that Farhan had called the police for help, but instead of receiving assistance, he was charged.
Escalation and Firearm Mention
The situation worsened when Farhan reportedly warned the crowd to step back, mentioning that he was carrying a licensed firearm. Ayesha expressed shock over how the situation unfolded, stating that even after the police arrived, they struggled to control the mob.
Allegations of Growing Hostility
Ayesha further alleged that hostility against people from Maharashtra in Goa had reached extreme levels. “The hatred for Maharashtra has reached unbelievable heights in Goa… they repeatedly cursed Farhan and my son for being from Maharashtra and having a big car. The police, in turn, filed a complaint against Farhan when he was the one who dialed 100 for help against a large crowd of almost 150 people,” she claimed.
Police Intervention and Legal Action
Despite the chaotic situation, both Farhan Azmi and the locals were taken to the Calangute police station and given an opportunity to file complaints. However, neither side chose to do so.
North Goa Superintendent of Police, Akshat Kaushal, confirmed that the police faced resistance from the locals while trying to take Farhan into custody. “Finally, both parties involved in the altercation were brought to the Calangute police station. They were given the opportunity to file complaints, but both parties refused to do so,” he said. Since the incident took place in a public area and caused a disturbance, the police proceeded with a state-initiated complaint.
Ayesha Claims to Have Video Evidence
Ayesha Takia maintained that they have “video proof and evidence, including CCTV footage,” which would be shared with authorities. She assured that they are cooperating with law enforcement and expressed faith in the justice system, saying, “We believe in the justice of the system and our Indian courts.”
The incident has sparked discussions about rising tensions between tourists and locals in Goa, as well as concerns over law enforcement response in such situations.
