Team Goemkarponn
Santa Cruz,: The Village Panchayat of Santa Cruz has triggered controversy after passing a resolution to file a police complaint against two villagers who allegedly clashed with the Sarpanch during a recent Gram Sabha meeting.
The incident took place on August 10, 2025, when villagers Ezilinda Gonsalves and Aditya Parulekar confronted Sarpanch Jenifer Oliveira during discussions in the Gram Sabha. Gonsalves reportedly attempted to pull the microphone from local MLA Rudolf Fernandes, while Parulekar openly called the Sarpanch “the most corrupt.”
Subsequently, in its fortnightly meeting held on August 14, the Panchayat adopted Resolution No. 9/2, authorising the filing of a complaint with Old Goa Police. The Panchayat has sought the registration of an FIR against both villagers.
The move has sparked sharp reactions from within the Panchayat itself. Opposition Panch member Inacio Domnic Pereira came out in support of the villagers, stressing that dissent is integral to democracy. “People have the right to speak in a Gram Sabha. Suppressing voices of villagers will not be taken lightly,” Pereira asserted.
The incident has reignited debates in Santa Cruz over freedom of speech in grassroots democratic forums, with critics calling the Panchayat’s move an attempt to intimidate citizens.
