Team Goemkarponn
AROSSIM: Tension escalated in Arossim after six villagers were booked by Verna Police in connection with the reconstruction of a damaged culvert, drawing sharp criticism from Congress leader Olencio Simoes, who termed the FIR “illegal and false.”
Addressing the media, Simoes alleged that law and order in the Cortalim constituency had deteriorated, claiming that “jungle raj now prevails” where mafias involved in illegal gambling, land scams, unauthorised constructions, violent crimes and the drug trade have taken control. He questioned why villagers attempting to protect their homes and fields from flooding were being prosecuted.
According to Simoes, the culvert in question was originally damaged during works undertaken by Daffodil Hotels Private Limited (DHPL), which has proposed a 160-room luxury resort at the site. He stated that villagers had for several years approached concerned authorities seeking restoration of the culvert, warning that its damaged condition could lead to severe flooding during the monsoon.
He further said that the Cansaulim Village Panchayat had passed a resolution supporting the villagers’ demand for reconstruction. However, with no action forthcoming, the residents collectively rebuilt the culvert at their own expense to prevent potential flooding.
Calling the FIR a “dangerous precedent,” Simoes alleged that those responsible for the original damage were being shielded while local residents were being targeted. He also claimed that several individuals named in the FIR were not even present when the culvert was reconstructed.
Simoes appealed to the Goa Home Minister to intervene in the matter, examine the long-pending grievances of Arossim villagers opposing the project for over 15 years, and withdraw what he described as a fabricated case against innocent residents.
