Team Goemkarponn
PoORIEM: A months-old flashpoint surrounding the Bhumika Devasthan in Parye appears to be nearing resolution, but not without lingering anger and demands for accountability. The dispute, which had escalated into violent clashes and the filing of criminal cases, has once again stirred public emotion ahead of a crucial court hearing scheduled for Friday.
The controversy erupted a few months ago during a temple-related dispute, leading to a four-day standoff between devotees and the police. The situation spiraled into violence with stone-pelting incidents targeting law enforcement. In response, the Goa–Belgaum highway was blocked by protestors, bringing movement in the region to a halt.
Following the unrest, police launched an identity parade at Valpoi police station, and several FIRs were registered. A charge sheet was subsequently filed in the Valpoi First Class Judicial Magistrate’s Court. The move triggered widespread outrage among devotees, who claimed innocent individuals had been falsely implicated.
Earlier this week, nearly 1,000 devotees gathered at the temple, staging a vociferous protest against the Valpoi police and demanding immediate withdrawal of all cases. During the agitation, a detailed discussion was held with Police Inspector Viddesh Shirodkar. However, his appeals to calm the situation were unsuccessful as protestors remained defiant.
Devotees alleged that police had deliberately targeted several individuals in the charge sheet without evidence. “We were protesting against injustice, and now the police have done injustice to us by implicating innocent people. We won’t back down until all names are cleared,” said one agitated devotee.
Protestors have threatened a sit-in demonstration at the Valpoi police station if the cases are not withdrawn before the court hearing on Friday. The situation remains tense on the ground, with community leaders calling for urgent political and administrative intervention.
Offering a glimmer of resolution, local MLA Dr. Deviya Rane confirmed that the matter had been mediated and an agreement reached. “The Bhumika Temple issue has been resolved. The representation will be submitted tomorrow, and the charge sheet will be withdrawn,” she assured.
