Gaurav Bakshi Arrested For 'Blocking' Goa Minister's Car, Actor Refutes Allegations

Actor Gaurav Bakshi was arrested by Goa police on Thursday for allegedly restraining the movement of state Animal Husbandry Minister Nilkant Halarnkar by blocking his car, an official said. According to a senior police official, the actor was arrested after Halarnkar’s personal security officer (PSO) filed a complaint at Colvale police station in North Goa district.

He was booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections related to “obstructing public servant” and “wilful restraint”, the official added.

According to the minister, the incident took place on Wednesday when he was leaving in his car after attending a function at Revora Panchayat Hall in North Goa. Bakshi’s car not only blocked his path but his PSO was also threatened by the actor when asked to move his vehicle, the minister alleged.

On the other hand, Bakshi, who has acted in a few films and several web series including “Bombay Begums” and “Naxalbari”, claimed in his counter-complaint that it was the minister’s car that had blocked his way.

Bakhi released a video on Thursday stating that Minister Halarnkar’s “entire statement is factually incorrect”. The actor also noted that he had filed a complaint against the minister at the local police station over the incident at the panchayat office.

“I would like to categorically state that nothing of the sort happened that is being claimed by Minister Halarnkar. The video that has been shared by me and my statements given last night make everything very clear. Minister Halarnkar’s entire statement is factually incorrect, mischievous and self-contradictory, as can be seen from his own several statements to the media compared to his previous statements and compared to the contents of the complaint filed,” Gaurav Bakshi said.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had said earlier in the day that the government had taken cognisance of the incident.

(With PTI inputs)