Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa Electricity Department EE Kashinath Shetye today has filed a police complaint at Panaji police station against Omkar Durbhatkar, Yash Phadte, Sudir Tari & Yogesh Patil for alleged criminal trespass into Electricity department property at Bogda-Vasco with intent to commit offence or to intimidate, insult officers.
Speaking to media, Shetye said that he will take the issue to its logical conclusion following yesterday’s incident.
He stated that he will proceed to court if the authorities fail to file an FIR based on his complaint. Furthermore, Shetye said that he intends to file a defamation case against Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar.
Shetye claimed that they obstructed from carrying out government duties and vowed to continue the work with police protection in the coming days. The complaint includes cases under Sections 221, 329, 126, 192, 324(5), and 61 of BNS.
Strongly criticizing Executive Engineer Kashinath Shetye, Vasco MLA Sankalp Amonkar accused him of acting as an activist rather than a government officer and harassing innocent residents.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Amonkar asserted that Shetye was attempting to close traditional pathways that have existed for over 50 years.
Amonkar also refuted Shetye’s claim that people obstructed the department from taking electrical cables. “The cables have been lying as scrap for over 15 to 20 years. The real issue was the construction of a compound wall to block traditional pathways. When I arrived at the spot, Shetye began arguing and making baseless allegations. If he comes here again, the public will not remain silent,” Amonkar warned.
The MLA reiterated his demand in the Assembly to ensure that these traditional pathways remain open and vowed to stand by the residents in their fight against any unjust actions.
In response, Shetye justified his actions by stating that he had been given permission by the head engineer of the Electricity Department to close the two walkways and that he intended to remove the unnecessary cables, but had encountered opposition from the people.
“I’ve been instructed to close the two pathways as this is government property. Why are you making things difficult for me by preventing me from taking out the cables? He questioned the MLA, “Who is going to pay the Rs 10,000 for the bulldozer that was contracted to complete the work?
Chief Engineer Stephen Fernandes demanded a cooperative solution. Both Amonkar and Shetye were somewhat right, according to Fernandes, and the delicate matter needed to be handled carefully.
“It belongs to us, and Shetye’s position is right. However, if the pathways are closed, we must determine whether residents who own properties nearby will have another way to get there. There is nothing wrong with him (Amonkar) going there because he is an MLA. Shetye was performing his duty at the same moment. We must come up with a fair solution.
