In a virtual show of strength, hundreds of people from Shel Melauli and surrounding areas gathered marched to the Guleli Village Panchayat demanding scrapping of IIT Goa project.
Three members of Revolutionary Goans, who supported the villagers have been arrested. The villagers demanded letter also from the Panachayat opposing the IIT project. Valpoi Police have arrested three members of Revolutionary Goans, Manoj Parab, Viresh Borkar, and Alex D’souza and some villagers for violation of Section 144 and unlawful assembly.
After discussions and deliberations the situation turned violent as some bottles and objects were allegedly thrown at the panchayat.
As situation turned tense Sarpanch was escorted out of the Panchayat under police protection. The Shel Melauli villagers are demanding scrapping of IIT projects and their lands be handed over to them.
The villagers gave letter to sarpanch Apurva Chari and wanted a written assurance that panchayat opposed IIT project in village.
Sarpanch Apurva Chari said that she has given a reply to villagers that the project does not come under its purview. “We cannot fulfill their demand as project does not come under their purview,” she said.