Team Goemkarponn
Ecoxim: A demolition drive in Ecoxim, Bardez, has sparked controversy, with the Halankar family accusing senior Goa Civil Service officers of abusing their authority to favour a colleague.
On orders of Dy Collector Rajesh Asgaonkar, Mamlatdar Ms. J. Pereira led a team to pull down a structure allegedly built on government land by Chandrakant Halankar. The family, however, claims the property has existed for more than 50 years and that the action was triggered by a complaint from their neighbour, Dy Collector Manohar Lavu Karekar, and his brother, Dr. Chetan Karekar of Goa Medical College.
According to the Halankars, Dy Collector Pandurang Gad, who heard the case, advanced hearing dates, limited their opportunity to present a defence, and passed the demolition order without allowing them to obtain key documents. They allege the proceedings were “fast-tracked” while their appeal was still pending before the Administrative Tribunal.
The family further claims the Karekar brothers themselves built an illegal structure, where Dr. Chetan Karekar allegedly conducted private medical practice and operated a pharmacy in violation of service rules.
The Halankars say they will seek records to prove “special treatment” given to Dy Collector Karekar and demand action against the officers involved.
