Man who locked wife, daughters to be released

The Thane chief judicial magistrate asked Francis Gomes (60), who was arrested for confining his wife and three daughters for seven years in their Naigaon flat, to be present in court on Thursday.

The Thane chief judicial magistrate asked Francis Gomes (60), who was arrested for confining his wife and three daughters for seven years in their Naigaon flat, to be present in court on Thursday.

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On Wednesday, Chief Judicial Magistrate SM Bhosale heard the application filed by Gomes’ daughter Sherlyn (22, name changed), who was rescued in July, referring him for medical treatment.

“Gomes will be questioned and if needed will be sent for medical examination,” said her lawyer Nandkumar Rajurkar.

Gomes’ lawyer Bhushan Gujar said his client will be released on Thursday after depositing a cash security of Rs 5,000.

On September 30, she had filed the application before the judicial magistrate first class, Vasai, which directed her to the magistrate. “I want my father to be treated. I believe that he will get better and we will stay united as a family. I will be more confident if he is treated before being released,” Sherlyn told the media outside the court.

Meanwhile, Gracy Barnes, who claims to be Gomes’ college friend and has been attending all the hearings, spoke to the magistrate after Wednesday’s hearing.

She reportedly complained to the magistrate about the media “publishing false reports about Francis and his family”.

She refused to speak to the media.