Goemkarponn desk
Calangute: After the arrest of a person in November last, the iconic restaurant Souza Lobo has been damaged yet again by the goons of a Delhi businessman, the owner alleged.
As per the complaint filed by the co-owner Laverne Lobo, the Delhi businessman Rajiv Arora alongwith his goons once again trespassed in their property and damaged the compound wall.
It may be recalled that on November 9 and FIR was registered of criminal trespass and threats to life against Mr. Rajeev Arora, who came with a gang of 40+ bouncers and damaged the restaurant besides beating up staff and security.
Calangute Police arrested one Sameer Pavaskar for allegedly damaging the property.
“Today again around 1 pm the said Mr. Rajeev Arora despite having a complaint registered against him was accompanied by Calangute Police in civil clothes to our and also by goons came to our restaurant and started breaking the existing compound wall belonging to us, as clearly seen on the CCTV footage sent to the PI of Calangute on WhatsApp. He also threatened me for the second time with dire consequences,” said Laverne Lobo.
She claims that the CCTV footage sent to you clearly shows Rajeev Arora with his goons, breaking their compound wall.
“On seeing this I went and questioned Rajeev Arora regarding the same to which he replied that he is very influential with the Police and the DGP and can do whatever he pleases even if illegal. On the intervention of our friends and customers he walked away threatening to come at night and kill us all,” he stated.
She questioned why the businessman Rajeev Arora was not arrested in view of the earlier complaint of trespass and assault dated on the 9th of November 2020.
“On the contrary the police accompanied him to our restaurant where he threatened us and damaged our property,” she said.
Meanwhile, the locals claimed that a person from Delhi was in the process of carrying out illegal construction adjacent to the restaurant violating the CRZ norms.
When contacted Calangute PI Nolasco Raposo said that he has received cross complaints from both the parties.
“The police are looking into all the available evidence and conducting inquiry. We will take action against anyone guilty,” he said.
He said that Arora has also filed complaint that the restaurant owner has blocked his access.
Will stand by the owners
of Souza Lobo: Michael
Calangute MLA and Minister for Waste Management Michael Lobo said that action will be initiated and a charge sheet filed against the persons involved in destruction of the Souza Lobo property in Calangute.
“The Coastal Regulation Zone has given permission to Arora for repairs but I feel that he wants to carry out reconstruction which will be not allowed. Also we will see that Calangute Panchayat and North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA) will not grant permission for reconstruction. In case the panchayat has issued permission then it will be revoked,” said Waste Management Minister Lobo.
“I have told the owner (Arora) not to compromise on this incident. Along with assault and trespassing, this person has also threatened the wife of the Souza Lobo owner. The traditional access will not be blocked even partly,” Lobo added.
Denying allegations of political backing, Lobo said, “There is no political backing in this case. The village panchayat, locals and the MLA will stand by the owners of Souza Lobo restaurant which was established back in 1932 and is one of the oldest restaurants in Goa. Outsiders running hotels/restaurants should co-operate with locals because locals come first,” Lobo claimed.