In recent months, land scams have become an alarming trend in Goa, stirring outrage and despair among residents. Despite the appointment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by the state government to probe these fraudulent activities, incidents continue to surface, revealing a troubling pattern of deceit that impacts hundreds of families. One such scandal has recently unfolded in the seemingly tranquil village of Cunchelim, located in Mapusa, where over 140 families find themselves on the brink of losing their homes.
At the heart of this dramatic revelation is a complex web of corruption involving comunidade lands that have been wrongfully sold to unsuspecting buyers. Initially seen as an opportunity to secure a bright future, these transactions, which amounted to crores of rupees in savings for the affected families, have rapidly morphed into a profound nightmare. Victims, who believed they were investing in legal properties, are now grappling with the harsh reality of possible demolition and loss of their life-long investments.
The culprits behind the Cunchelim land scam appear to include not only local fraudsters but also various officials from the Cunchelim comunidade and potentially even members of the Mapusa Municipal Council. Eyebrows have been raised as the intricate connections between the accused and local political figures come to light, suggesting that the roots of this corruption run deep within the community itself.
The scam was brought to the forefront last week when officials from the Directorate of Settlement and Land Records (DSLR) conducted a survey of the contested land. Their presence in the village triggered waves of panic and disbelief among the residents, who were then left to confront the harsh truth: the parcels they had purchased were, in fact, illegally acquired. Following this harrowing discovery, hundreds of distressed victims rushed to the Mapusa Police Station, seeking justice and lodging formal complaints against those who had deceived them.
The individuals involved in this fraudulent scheme may have capitalized on the complexities surrounding land ownership in Goa. The issue of comunidade land is historically charged, tied to local traditions and past legislation, making it a lucrative target for unscrupulous individuals eager to exploit loopholes for personal gain. The naivety of many buyers, paired with the alleged negligence of local authorities, has created an environment ripe for abuse.
As the investigation unfolds, many in the community are calling for swift and decisive action. They demand accountability not only from the perpetrators but also from those in positions of power who have allowed such abuses to occur. The sentiment is resonating throughout Cunchelim: “Enough is enough.” The affected families, stripped of their dreams and security, are now rallying together in hopes of achieving justice and preventing similar incidents from plaguing their community in the future.
It is crucial for the authorities to ensure that these land scams do not continue unchecked. As the SIT delves deeper into this matter, the eyes of the public are firmly fixed on the outcome, hopeful that this will be a turning point in the fight against corruption in Goa. The resilience of the Cunchelim community serves as an echoed reminder of the urgent need for transparency and integrity in land dealings, safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of all residents.
SURAJ BNANDREKAR
Editor, Goemkarponn
