Valpoi police try to suppress voice of villagers opposing IIT

The Valpoi police led by Police Inspector Sagar Ekoskar on Wednesday stirred up a controversy after they detained villagers of Melaulim who were addressing a press conference opposing the government’s ambitious IIT project.
The videos of the police abusing and detaining the people went viral on social media drawing critical reactions from civic society and political class alike.
The detainees were later warned and released by the cops.
Speaking to reporters, Shivam Shivolkar said that they had taken oral permission from the police, who had asked them to follow Sec 144.
We had followed the rules of Sec 144 as only 4 people were sitting to address with social distancing wearing mask. However, acting on someone’s complaint police came here and stopped the press conference and detained us,” he said.
He said that after some time they released us with warning to take prior written permission before holding any press conference.
Explaining their opposition to IIT, Shivolkar said that the government wants to take away 10 lakh square meter of fertile land from Melaulim for IIT.
“We are opposing this as this is a fertile land and many families depend on this for their livelihood,” he said.
He said the people here do not want a concrete jungle.
“We have written to the PM, President and all ministers including CM and Panchayat but hasve received no response yet.