POLICE PROTECTION ORDERED BY COLLECTOR AT DAVORLIM SPRING

MARGAO: South Goa District Collector G P Naik has ordered police protection at Davorlim from Wednesday to carry out the work of desilting of the spring and construction of the retaining wall at Layamati-Davorlim.  Maina Curtorim Police Station incharge, PI Sidhant Shirodkar said the Collector has issued the order as the work site witnessed some commotion on Tuesday morning.

PWD Minister Churchill Alemao rushed to the site to ensure there is no obstruction to the work, even as the village sarpanch and others asked the contractor to produce the work order from the PWD.  PI Shirodkar informed that the Maina Curtorim immediately police deployed personnel at the site after the Salcete BDO has issued a letter stating that the Panchayat is not taking up the work.

Sources in the know said the police are not taking any chances in the matter and will deploy adequate police force to tackle any law and order situation.

Incidentally, last week, the contractor along with the PWD engineer had visited the spring site to carry out the work, but had to beat a hasty retreat after the villagers charged them for damaging the embankment during the cleaning operation. (HD)

CHURCH AUTHORITIES SERIOUS ABOUT SECURITY ISSUES AT OLD GOA FEAST

PANJIM: The Old Goa Church authorities have taken a serious view of some stall keepers jumping the Basilica of Bom Jesus wall to use the tap water facility in the church premises during the novena days being celebrated in preparedness for the feast of St Francis Xavier.

The authorities on Tuesday said even though the Government has put up some 20 to 24 mobile toilets in the area for the novena days the same wasn’t enough and more needed to be done to see that everything was managed in a professional manner.

The church authorities maintained lakhs of people throng Old Goa during the novena masses in preparation for the feast of St Francis Xavier, but the international heritage area had a few mobile toilets to cater to such a big number of devotees.

Rector Fr Savio Barreto said what was adding to the problem is a regular feature of stall keepers crossing over a wall of the Basilica of Bom Jesus on the Gandhi Circle side and entering the church premises to have bath.

Fr Barreto maintained it is so unruly to see these men, mostly Hindi-speaking, bathing in their underclothes when devotees are converging to attend church services in the morning. The panchayat, I think, has to do more to take care of the sanitation because we are situated in an internationally recognised heritage site, he asserted.

The main coordinator for the novena masses, Peter Viegas, observes there is no harm in the traditional stall keepers coming in and using the tap water facility near the Basilica, but these migrants have scant regards for sanitation and decency. “This year, too, we are having the same problem. If the toilets set up in the area are enough then why do we have these men jumping over the church wall and entering inside,” he questioned.

Viegas said since we have these men jumping over it can be even construed as a problem of security breach. Even though there are local policemen and other national security men around, these miscreants surprisingly find their way inside the church premises, he said and added, “When they were inside I informed 100 once but nothing happened.”

The panchayat has allotted roughly 700 stalls, including the ones set up on private properties. Old Goa Sarpanch Jenita Madkaikar maintained besides the mobile toilets there are toilets of PWD and Sulabh. People should also act responsibly to go and use these facilities, she stated.(HD)

SITARS USED TO HIDE DRUGS BY PEDDLARS

PANJIM: An Indian musical instrument sitar was used by three drug peddlers to conceal some of the contraband drugs, which totally valued at around Rs 32 lakh and which was seized by the Anjuna police in a well-planned operation on Monday midnight.

The cops have nabbed three natives of Bihar and recovered from them heroin, cocaine and charas all valued at Rs 31.80 lakh in a operation that lasted for around six hours.

The names of those arrested are Sanjay Kumar Sharma (32), Natwarlal Yadav (40) and Ramesh Gopi (29).

According to information given by Anjuna PI Manjunath Desai and Dy SP Mr Sammy Tavares, acting on a tip off the Anjuna police team began their patrolling in Anjuna at 6.30 p.m. on Monday.

On reaching near a hotel, the team found the accused Sanjay and Natwarlal moving suspiciously in the area. The cops stopped them and on interrogation it was found that they carried some drugs in their pant pockets. They later spilled the beans and informed police about their third accomplice who stayed with them in a rented house.

Later, police went to the house at Sorantto in Anjuna and after thoroughly searching the house, the cops found 439 grams of heroin, 192 grams of cocaine and 24 grams of charas, all worth Rs 31.80 lakh, hidden at various places in the house including the sitar.

Police attached all the drug samples and immediately took the three into their custody.

The investigating police officer, Mr Videsh Pilgaonkar said that the drugs concealed in sitar were to be dispatched to European nations by courier. With this in mind, the three accused had also started a courier service near Starco junction at Anjuna in their rented premises. The trio has been visiting the state for the past three years, informed the police.

The accused have been charged under the NDPS Act and have been remanded to seven days police custody. The entire operation involved the Anjuna PI Desai, Dy SP Mr Tavares and the operation was conducted under the overall supervision of North Goa SP, Mr Arvind Gawas.

The Anjuna PI Desai with the assistance of Mr Tavares had conducted two other raids recently. In the first raid Mr Dessai had arrested a native of Nepal earlier this month and seized from him 700 grams of charas and ganja valued at Rs 40,000. In the second raid last week a Nigerian was arrested with 11 grams of cocaine worth Rs 1 lakh. Mr Tavares has said that such raids would continue in Anjuna. (NT)

SALIGAO-SALMONA SPRING TO BE RENOVATED SOON

MAPUSA: Springs and water bodies have always been known to be a source of attraction as it believed that water of such springs has medicinal properties and a soothing effect, which ensures that people flock to them, especially during the summer months.

Many of the springs in the villages of Bardez taluka have been lying in a state of neglect for many years. Saligao is one such village that has two springs, one belonging to the Remedios family at Tabrawaddo and the other the Salmona spring. Both these springs though once quite famous have seen ruin and neglect over the years.

It is almost a year that Saligao MLA, Mr Dilip Parulekar, along with Environment Minister, Mr Aleixo Sequeira, visited the Salmona spring in the backdrop of complains that this spring was polluted. Mr Parulekar pointed that open defecation in the surroundings and dumping of garbage by the Calangute panchayat on the Saligao plateau had contaminated the spring. Officials of the Goa State Pollution Control Board, who were also present, had taken samples of the water which was later found to have a large amount of poisonous toxins.

Mr Sequeira had suggested that steps should be taken to maintain and preserve the spring. He had also said that the dumping of garbage should be stopped at the site and the site itself should be shifted elsewhere.

Mr Parulekar on his part said, “I have been raising the issue in every Assembly session, stating that our ancient and much talked about Salmona spring should be preserved and maintained. My endeavour is to see the spring in its former glory.”

A few years back, people stopped visiting the spring and the area wore a deserted look. However, it has been observed that after some repairs were initiated at the spring, the people began visiting and a recent visit showed that people are now flocking to the site to bathe there and spend a day picnicking.

Mr Parulekar said that there was no proposal to develop or maintain the spring through funds from the tourism department, however, he said that after following and much persuasion, the Water Resources Department has taken an initiative to renovate and repair the spring and develop the surrounding area.  Mr Parulekar informed that a team of water resources officials have visited the spring thrice recently and the work on the spring would begin shortly.

He said, “ As per the information I have received, an amount of ` 8.5 lakh has been earmarked by the Water Resources Department for the renovation of the spring. I have also been informed that the work would be completed before the onset of monsoons.”  He said that the Salmona spring was a source of attraction among tourists in the years gone by and he hopes that the spring will be restored to its former glory.(NT)

STATE HAS TO PLEAD FOR FRAMING APPROPRIATE ISSUES ON MADEI RIVER DIVERSION

PANJIM: Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal told Mr Shantaram Naik MP, on Tuesday that the state of Goa will have to plead their case for framing of appropriate issues regarding their objection to the Karnataka irrigation project, before the tribunal.

He also said that the Central Government has not laid down any terms of reference in cases of tribunals constituted in the country so far, and therefore, in Mhadei case also, the government has not fixed any terms of reference.

At the request of Mr Naik, Mr Bansal organised a meeting in his office at Parliament House, in which, besides Mr Bansal and Mr Naik, secretary for Water Resources, Mr U N Panjiar and commissioner of Projects who deals with Mhadei Project, Mr A B Pandya, were present.

Mr Bansal told Mr Naik that all the pleadings of the parties will be sent to the tribunal which will then look into the various aspect of the dispute.

Normally, tribunals deals with the distribution of water, however, since it is the case of Goa that Karnataka is attempting to obstruct the flow of river water, Goa can plead for the removal of obstruction, Mr Naik was told at the meeting.

Mr Panjiar told Mr Naik that in the case of inquiry commissions, terms of reference are specifically laid down by the government but, tribunals being judicial bodies, framing of appropriate issues are left to them.

Mr Naik in a statement issued from New Delhi after his meeting with Mr Bansal, said that Goa government’s lawyers will have to effectively plead before the tribunal, so that, tribunal holds proper inquiry into the very legality of the construction of a dam by the State of Karnataka.

It may be recalled that Mr Naik had earlier, through his letter and subsequent meeting with Mr Bansal, expressed apprehension that if proper terms of reference to meet Goa’s objection to the project are not framed, the tribunal will not serve any purpose, as far as the state of Goa is concerned.

The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat was to join Mr Naik for Friday’s meeting, however, he could not attend as he had to cancel his visit to the capital.

On the issue of Special Economic Zones, Mr Naik said that the Union Commerce Minister, Mr Anand Sharma is abroad and upon his return, he will hold a meeting with him, to request him to denotify the three notified SEZs in Goa in view of the fact that the Panaji Bench of the Bombay High Court has disposed of the petition pending on the subject, on account of which, Commerce Ministry had deemed it fit not to denotify the three SEZs.

Mr Naik said that since the developers are now not having any land with them, the three SEZ proposals are deemed to stand de facto denotified, and that, only formal notification have to be issued by the government. (NT)

PANJIM POLICE MANHANDLE NHDAC MEMBERS

PANJIM: Members of the National Highway Diversion Action Committee (NHDAC) alleged manhandling by Panjim police on Monday, after ten of their members marching amongst others towards the International film festival of India (Iffi) venue were stopped near the Panaji collectorate and taken to the police station.

 "They physically lifted and took us to the police station at around 11.15am. This amounts to arrest. We were kept there for two hours, after which we were simply told there is no need for bail and we can leave. The electronic media has filmed this. We were manhandled even though there was no confrontation from our end," NHDAC convener Sunil Desai said.
Former Cortalim MLA Matanhy Saldanha, former GBA convener Oscar Rebello, Patricia Pinto, Ritu Prasad, Zarina D'Cunha, Ashok Prabhu and Dinesh Waghela were amongst the ten NHDAC members taken to the police station. tnn

Around 25 members of the National Highway Diversion Action Committee were marching towards the International film festival of India (Iffi) venue on Monday to hold a peaceful demonstration to oppose the invocation of Section 3D of the Central Land Acquisition Act for widening of NH4A, but were stopped and allegedly manhandled by the police.

The house committee's decision to allow issue of Section 3D is significant because November 29 was the deadline for issuing section 3D failing which the land acquisition procedure for the highway widening would lapse. With the issue of Section 3D, the intention of the government to acquire land notified under Section 3A, gets converted to a declaration that the land is required by the government.

Police officials denying charges of manhandling said the protestors were stopped near the collectorate office fearing that they might disrupt Iffi festivities. "After holding discussions, they were asked to shift opposite Dempo House. There was no arrest," police officials said.

"We only wanted to bring the issue to the notice of the international delegates who are part of the film festival. We made it clear from the start that we did not mean to disrupt the Iffi celebrations and see this as no reason to be held at the police station for nearly two hours," Desai said. Desai said that senior citizens were among those 'manhandled' by the police.

Opposition leader Manohar Parrikar, sub-divisional magistrate Sabhaji Shetye and DySP Deu Banaulikar, held discussions with NHDAC members at Panjim police station. The protestors were later allowed to hold a demonstration opposite Dempo House, around 100 meters away from the main Iffi venue. (TNN)

HC TO HEAR GCA’S PETITION AGAINST RTI ON 1ST DEC

PANJIM: A. Division Bench of the Bombay High Court at Goa comprising of Justice S.B.Deshmukh and Justice F.M.Reis will on 1st December hear the petition filed by the Goa Cricket Association challenging the order of the Goa State Information Commission which had ruled that the GCA comes under the ambit of the Right to Information Act.

The State Chief Information Commissioner Mr. Motilal Keny had on October 7th in a 23 page landmark judgment directed the Goa Cricket Information to furnish Adv. Aires Rodrigues the information sought by him on the fees paid by the GCA to its lawyer Mr. Subodh Kantak.

The State Chief Information Commissioner ruled that the government notification dated 8th July 2010 that all sports organizations and Sports Associations recognized by Sports Authority of Goa are covered under the RTI Act was binding on the Goa Cricket Association.

After Adv. Aires Rodrigues sought information from the Goa Cricket Association on the fees paid to their lawyer Mr. Subodh Kantak, the Goa Cricket Association which is headed by Goa’s former Law Minister Mr. Dayanand Narvekar took a stand that it does not come under the purview of the RTI Act.

The Goa Cricket Association claimed that the Right to Information Act was not applicable to it as it had not received any financial or other assistance from the Goa Government or the Sports Authority of Goa.

However Adv. Aires Rodrigues submitted documentary proof to the effect that the Goa Government had granted to the Goa Cricket Association on a 99 year lease land admeasuring 1,30,328 sq meters at Tivim for the construction of a cricket stadium at a nominal rent of Rs 50,000/- per year.

Adv. Rodrigues also submitted evidence that the Sports Authority of Goa had also given the Goa Cricket Association financial assistance of Rs 50 lakhs and that part of the interest payment was yet not paid to the government.

Adv Rodrigues submitted further evidence to the effect that the Sports Authority of Goa was also paying the salaries of cricket coaches given to the Goa Cricket Association.

POLICE INSPECTOR ANTHONY MONSERRATE, A GENEROUS AND KIND PERSON by Menino Fernandes

No matter what! Goa Police have been tainted badly and a bad picture is painted of the Police force of Goa. But it does not mean that the entire police department is bad and corrupt. Some readers may not like, But the truth of some Police Officers of Goa has to be brought out to the public.  Why should the few good police officers from lowest to the highest grade also suffer defamation for the sake of the bad ones? The truth of how with a smile these officers suffer at the hands of the politicians if they do not bend before their whims.

Police Inspector ANTHONY F. MONSERRATE

There is a saying in Konkani “Ekech Tagdden sogleank Zokche Nhoi” yes do not weigh everybody in the same scale. There are police officers who are selfless and sacrificing type and who use their conscience to run their day to day affairs. There are officers who go out of their way to help others.

There are officers who are generous to the extent of spending from their own pockets to provide food for the accused. Yet there are some lower grade police personnel who go out to make money in the names of these types of officers. Yes indeed this too goes on in the police department.

One of such officers is Mr. ANTHONY FRANCISCO MONSERATE, Police Inspector. He is presently posted at the Siolim Coastal Security Police Station. Anthony is a very generous and soft hearted person. He is a very helpful person irrespective of the grade or quality of the person he is helping. This is the very same police inspector who almost lost his life during the Saleli Satari issue. This incident occurred about two to three years back.

Mr. Anthony Monserrate has been a target of the Politicians for quite some time. He was transferred from Valpoi to Panjim traffic cell within two years of his posting there and it is widely rumoured at the instance of Home Minister Ravi Naik. From Panjim Traffic Cell, where he was very strict in maintaining traffic order in the city, came into the eyes of the politicians and was transferred to a far off place Siolim Coastal Security Police Station, where there is no involvement with the chamchas of the politicians.

In search of the real truth of the incident I had visited the Saleli village at Onda, of Satari Taluka and got quite a lot of information from the villagers who do not wish to identify themselves for security reasons. They told me how bravely Mr. Anthony defended himself and his staff against the physical assault by the villagers almost losing his own life. He tried to save the staff as well as little children of the village.

Towards the end of the incident a 7 year old child flung some powder in to the eyes of this brave man and another one came forward and hit a stone from a distance of 1 foot on his temple and one on the eyes. Though seriously wounded Anthony saved the boy who had flung powder or ashes in his eyes. One of the villagers at a distance of 10 meters hit stone on his temple almost killing him. A brave man that he is, he stood the assault trying to save his staff. This incident caused loss in sight of this brave and generous man.

The Mamlatdar Mr. Ajit Panchwadkar, who was also present on the scene ran away into the mountains, even the SP D. K. Sawant, DySPs, Waman Tari and Mohan Naik who were present there made good their escape into the hills leaving Anthony and a few policemen including a lady Police constable Jayanti to defend themselves. Later he and Jayanti were shifted to the GMC PI Anthony in serious condition. The lady Constable Jayanti was saved by Mr. Anthony without even caring for his own safety and his own life. (Excerpts from archives of the local news papers of Goa on this incident are at the bottom of this article)

Later on when the situation cooled the people of the village realised their mistake and apologised but harm had already been caused. Luckily Anthony survived though later on he had to undergo operations of the eye etc.

The villagers later told me that they attacked him thinking he is Pandari L. Mapari who was the preceding incharge of the Valpoi Police Station. They said it was Mapari who made their lives a mess. They said also told me that Mapari who is now promoted as DySP was the cause of their lives being made miserable.

There was another indication from the villagers that they repented what they did to Mr. Anthony, a righteous, social and charitable person. A secret word from the villagers on condition of not naming them is, “was it Mapari, he would have been done away with”.

Back to the topic I myself have seen his charities. He even goes to the extent of giving food to the accused in the lock up if they are not provided by the government. He many a times have paid fines of those defaulters specially Motor Vehicle defaulters if they were very poor with stern warning not to repeat the offences. Which police officer in the Goa Police would do this? There are another few more like him but according to me he is above all. A kind hearted man and a fun loving and jolly person.

He leads a very simple life with his wonderful and simple wife Maria Monserrate who is also a Police Inspector and presently attached to the CID Foreigners Branch in Goa. He has two daughters whom he loves very much. Given his love even for his enemies one need not think what it would be to his own.

I have even heard the words from a person's mouth cannot name the person as requested “Asking Jesus for help and asking Anthony is same”.

But quite a few corrupt police constables have definitely put him on the bad list. I know that some of these constables go shamelessly about and take money from people saying that “Saiban maglea” even a meagre sum of Rs. 200/- to Rs 400/-. Poor Mr. Anthony is/was not even aware of such a thing going on when I found out through one person (anonymity requested) in Pissurlem that two constables (names not told) had approached him and asked him for money in the name of Mr. Anthony. I told this friend of mine that next time they approach to tell them that you will give it personally to him. He agreed. Later I verified the fact and go to see Mr. Anthony had no knowledge of this transaction. I felt very angry for unnecessary spoiling of a good person’s reputation. But Anthony himself was cool saying that God is there above and he will take care. Indeed God does take care of these things which I learnt later. Such is his character! Forgiving even those who try to defame him! Forgiving even those who have malice towards him! even though he is not extraordinarily religious but does believe in God.

In his personal life, he is a man, very simple and of very simple tastes. Very nice to talk to and can be a very good friend. He goes out of his way to help people. In his own Native Naroa, he is highly spoken of. I have seen that most of the times any poor person whose relative died and did not have enough to perform the last rites, Anthony would be the one to handle and arrange from coffin to the last burial. Not only the Catholics, but he has lots and lots of friends who are Hindus and Muslims. These friends love him very much, not because he is a Police Officer or that they should get some favours but because he is a loving person, simply a genuine and simple person do does not break up friendships.

I could have written a lot of his good deeds here but the pages won’t be sufficient to write. I wish him all the best in his life and may his overdue PROMOTION as Deputy Superintendent of Police be given to him at the earliest. I also pray to God to protect this man against all the evils especially from the evil politicians who play with GOOD government servants, who do not bend before them.

(From the Archives of the Local News papers)

GOA POLICE STONED AND STUNNED

VALPOI, Dec 28: Prithviraj Rane, 32, a resident of Saleli, Satari, son of veteran freedom fighter and landlord Krishnarao Rane, was killed, while at least 40 police personnel were injured, one of them seriously when they were attacked by irate villagers at Saleli, Onda, this morning. The mob also damaged four police vehicles when a strong police force had gone to arrest the assailants. The trouble started ar around 10.30 am when Prithviraj was proceeding on a two-wheeler to the site of the stone crusher owned by him at Saleli. He was stopped by the irate villagers and attacked with iron rods, killing him instantly. Clouds of tension were hovering over the village for the last three day over the issue of "Mokaso". The local residents on December 27pelted stones at the residence of Rane. It may be noted that incidents of clashes in the past have frequently taken place between the residents and the Rane family

VIOLENCE AT SATARI OVER STONE CRUSHING UNITS

VALPOI, Dec 28: Ongoing tension over units at Saleli-Satari erupted into unprecedented violence, leading to the murder of a 35-year-old crushing unit owner and subsequent stone pelting incident that left around 30 police officers injured. The deceased, Prithviraj Rane, is the son of former MGP leader and former ZP member Krishnarao Rane. Police officials injured in the stone-pelting incident included North Goa SP DK Sawant, ponda DySP Mohan Naik, Bicholim DySP Waman Tari, Valpoi PI Anthony Monserrate, and about 25 police officers. Satari Mamlatdar Ajeet Panchwadkar was also injured in the incident. (Herald)

Mob lynches landlord's son in Satari

PANAJI, Dec 28: A 32-year-old youth from Saleli in Satari taluka, Prithviraj Rane, was allegedly killed by angry people of Saleli this morning. However, the police attempt to arrest those behind the crime later resulted in fierce clashes between them and the villagers in which at least 30 police personnel were injured besides scores of villagers. The killing of the youth was apparently a result of a long-running dispute over property between his family (who are the landlords) and the local villagers, who are the tenants. (Navhind Times)

HC ADJOURNS SUNITA SAWANT ‘S PETITION AGAINST AIRES TO 6TH DEC

PANJIM: Bombay High Court at Goa Justice N.A. Britto today adjourned to December 6th arguments on the petition filed by Police Inspector Sunita Sawant challenging the acquittal of Adv. Aires Rodrigues in the 2004 Ribandar Church case.

Adv. Aires Rodrigues today drew the attention of Justice Britto that that the two Special Public Prosecutors Mahesh Amonkar and Milena Pinto have not been officially appointed to appear in the revision petition filed by Inspector Sunita Sawant against him and that they were appearing illegally.

When asked by Justice Britto to explain this, Adv. Mahesh Amonkar who found himself cornered assured the court to submit his explanation at the next hearing.

Every hearing of the petition filed against Adv. Rodrigues is costing the State Rs 7000 by way of fees being paid to the two Special Public Prosecutors handling the case against Adv. Rodrigues.

Adv. Rodrigues today also submitted before Justice Britto that Inspector Sunita Sawant herself could not have filed the revision petition as it had to be filed by the State through its Public Prosecutor. Adv. Rodrigues’s also submitted that the law does not permit a second revision in the same case.

Adv. Aires Rodrigues today told Justice Britto that Special Public Prosecutor Mahesh Amonkar was lying and misleading the High Court.

Adv. Rodrigues also told Justice Britto that Mahesh Amonkar on 22nd Nov made a false statement before the High Court that he had paid the necessary process and postage fees in the High Court registry in the case when infact he had not done so.

Adv. Rodrigues also stated that Mahesh Amonkar on 15th Nov made another false statement before the High Court that the remaining accused in the 2004 Ribandar Church case have been charged and are being tried.

Adv. Rodrigues drew Justice Britto’s attention that the case against the other accused has not started with even the charge not framed as one of the accused a 80 year old widow who is bedridden has been unable to yet come to court.

The first revision filed by the Government was dismissed by the Sessions Judge Mrs. Vijaya Pol on 4th June this year while upholding Panaji Chief Judicial Magistrate Mr.P.M.Shinde’s order discharging Adv. Rodrigues from the 2004 Ribandar Church case.

Along with Adv. Aires Rodrigues, 14 other Ribandar residents have been charge sheeted in the case. he charge sheet has been filed in connection with an incident that allegedly took place in 2004 at the Ribandar Church premises when Adv. Aires Rodrigues was leading an agitation demanding action against the then Ribandar Parish priest Fr. Newton Rodrigues for having allegedly molested a 13 year old girl from Ribandar.

WHITHER PURIFICATION? FREEDOM FIGHTERS TRY TO PURIFY SEA by Mike Carvalho, Canada

On the 25 of November I read and article on the online local daily OHeraldo captioned “Freedom fighters purify sea at Khariwado.” The article mentioned that Freedom fighters along with other volunteers on Thursday last sprinkled holy water on the statue of freedom fighter Dr T B Cunha and collected some water and poured it in Goan sea to ‘purify’ it following the visit of Portuguese ship ‘Sagres’.

It was also further stated that in their speeches they mentioned of how they convinced the Chief Minister not to attend the luncheon that was to be lovingly hosted by the crew of the Sagres.

They also condemned the send off that was organised by the people of Khariwado and called the organisers anti-national (If I understood correctly). What I cannot understand is, in the largest democracy how can the government of India stand by these hard insults against a country which India has great diplomatic relations with and is a strong member of the European Union.

So much talk of Indian progressing and its leaders turn a blind eye on such hard insults on a nation that send its naval ship on a friendly mission? It is a well know fact that the Europeans colonised many nations however many of these nations who want to move forward and not face isolation have out grown the past and in fact are helped by the very same countries that colonised them. If these people boast of so much influence then they should have carried out their so called purification on the corrupt politicians and corrupt officials.

They should voice their concerns on the state of affairs Goa is in after 1961. Its a shame. The people of Khariwado must be recognised as they saved the name of Goans and in a lager way made the nation proud, or else with what face would our flamboyant ministers display when they visit Europe?

TALATHI APPREHENDED ACCEPTING BRIBE BY ANTI CORRUPTION BUREAU

QUEPEM: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), on Monday, trapped Quepem talathi, Mr Subhash Velip red-handed for accepting a bribe to complete some mutation work, informed officials.  Sources also said that the talathi, who was trapped accepting speed money at the Quepem mamlatdar office, was in charge of the mutation work for the whole of Quepem taluka and has since been suspended pending an inquiry.

An after effect of the raid was clearly visible on the staff of the department as most of were seen at their desks, working past 5.30 p.m. People visiting the mamlatdar’s office expressed their satisfaction over the raid and said that more raids should be conducted in the department and other departments as the aam admi had to go regularly go through hardships to even get a simple work done like getting a birth certificate, but said that such things could be brought under control if there was a time limit to issue such certificates or complete works like mutation work, reinforcing the view that people have to go through this regularly, and this incident was just a tip of the iceberg.

They also expressed their doubt if he would be really prosecuted or some “pressure” would be applied and he would get off scot-free like so many others. Monday’s trap was set by the ACB after a complaint was filed by Mr Dilip Hegde that the talathi wanted ` 5,000 for carrying out the mutation of his property.

The raid conducted by ACB police inspector, Mr Nilesh Rane also allegedly found ` 7,800 on his person in addition to ` 3,200 that was officially accounted for.

“I have been following up about my mutation file for the past 2 months. The talathi has been continuously trying to avoid doing my work saying he is busy, come later, such excuses,” Mr Dilip Hegde, the complainant told the media after the raid.

“So at last, last Thursday, I asked him what was the problem, and why the delay. He then point blank asked me for ` 5000 to do the work,” Mr Hegde said adding he then contacted the ACB police inspector, Mr Nilesh Rane, and told them everything.

“So, today, I gave him ` 5,000 as promised. This was around 4.15 p.m. I had with me Mr Shirodkar and two witnesses. The ACB raid was conducted in the presence of the mamlatdar, Mr S Natu. I also carried a tape recorder with me today and had also recorded the whole earlier conversation,”

Mr Hegde told media, adding that when he met him on Monday and told him that he had brought the money as per his demand, he had asked: “when my work would be done,” and was told: “don’t worry within one month I will complete the work.”

According to the ACB’s Mr Rane the trap was set after the complaint was filed by Mr Hegde that Mr Subhash Velip had demanded ` 5,000 from him to do the mutation of the property that he (Mr Hegde), had sold to Navroj Contractors.

The complaint says that Mr Hegde, who was following up on the paper work, noticed that his process was getting delayed and so when he called on the talathi and enquired about the delay he straight forward demanded ` 5,000. Then ACB officials said, as per the demand, Mr Hegde handed over the marked money to Mr Subhash Velip who had put the money in his pocket. Soon after the Anti-corruption Bureau officials caught him red- handed with the marked money.

The raid was conducted under supervision of ACB SP, Mr Bosco George. Mr Rane informed that FIR under Prevention of Corruption Act was being filed, and after the completion of investigation Mr Velip will be charge-sheeted accordingly. (NT)

PROTESTORS STOPPED FROM PROCEEDING TO THE IFFI VENUE

PANJIM: The Panjim police, on Monday, foiled the plans of the National Highway Diversion Action Committee of holding an agitation outside the IFFI venue by obstructing them while the protestors were on their way to it.

The NHADC activists finally staged dharna some 50 meters away from the venue.The NHADC members were protesting against the alignment of the National Highway 4A and the government’s plan to impose Section 3D for the acquisition of the land for the highway and wanted to grab the attention of the delegates and international media on the issue.

A strong police posse blocked the protestors including the convenor of the committee, Mr Sunil Desai, Mr Ashok Prabhu, Dr Oscar Rebeiro, and Ms Patricia Pinto, former tourism minister, Mr Mathany Saldhana, and others from proceeding toward the IFFI complex and kept them under detention at the Panaji police station for over an hour.

Police sources informed that the protestors were placed under detention under Section 151 of the CrPC, however, allowed them to march towards the venue only to block them some 50 meters away from it.

Around 30-40 protestors squatted on the promenade of the Mandovi river in the presence of a strong police force. The protestors later withdrew their agitation at around 5 p.m

Speaking to reporters, Mr Dessai condemned the police action and added that it was in violation of the constitutional right to peaceful protest. He further said hat their detention was not warranted. Earlier, the leader of the opposition, Mr Manohar Parrikar visited them at the police station and questioned the police on their detention stating it was in violation of their constitutional right.

There was a strong police force deployed to thwart any eventuality since as early as 8.45 a.m. with police officials drawn from North Goa police stations, including SDPO, Mapusa, Mr Sammy Tawares, SDPO, Panaji, Mr Deu Benaulikar and other officials. (NT)

CBI PROBE DEMANDED INTO LAND ALLOTMENT SCAM BY VIRODHI MANCH

PANJIM: SEZ Virodhi Manch has demanded CBI inquiry into the alleged land allotment scam in allotting the spaces to SEZ promoters in the State and also sought resignation of those Board of Directors of Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) and other officials involved in the scam.

Buoyed after the High Court judgment, the activists have said that either CBI inquiry or judicial probe should be constituted in the scam, which involved high profile politicians and bureaucrats into it.

“A judicial inquiry to unearth the whole land scam should be undertaken by the Chief Minister (Digambar Kamat) since the allotments for SEZs have been declared illegally and arbitrary by the High Court,” SVM Convener Charles Fernandes told a press conference today.

The manch demanded that those who are guilty including police officers should be brought to book. He recalled that the activists had lodged police complaint in the land scam but police had failed to register an FIR against the GIDC board members in 2007.

“The villagers had approached Verna police, CID and even Vigilance Department, furnishing documents to substantiate the illegalities and irregularities in the allotments but issue was pushed down the carpet,” said SVM member Franky Monteiro.

He pointed out that the information sought from the police under Right to Information (RTI) had said that there is no prima facie evidence against the board members. The State Vigilance Department had replied that they had referred the matter to ‘the government.’

The activists have also demanded resignation of all those officials who fraudulently allotted lands to the industrial enclaves. Another activist Arvind Bhatikar said that the corrupt deserves to be punished and dismissed.

“There should be an audit of the government,” activist Pravin Sabnis said, adding that this is probably the biggest scam by the government, which has come to light.  The activists reiterated that GIDC should revert back the land to the villagers and it will be for the land owners to decide on the nature of land use.

Council for Social Justice and Peace convener Fr Maverick said that GIDC should frame rules under Section 51 specifying the mode and method of allotment of lands as per the GIDC Act.  He further said that preference should be given to small and medium local entrepreneurs for setting up micro industries in the interest of self employment.

The court in its order had observed that the allotment of lands to the companies were made in undue haste and arbitrarily without proper scrutiny of their applications, besides the procedure adopted for the allotment was not fair and transparent and the allotment by the GIDC do not stand the test of reasonableness. GIDC and the seven petitioners are given status quo of four months.(HD)

RESHMA'S FAMILY SHOWS SUSPICION OF HER BEING MURDERED

PANJIM: The family of the deceased Reshma Korgaonkar, who died after hanging herself three days ago, has suspected that she was murdered and her death has been projected as suicide creating circumstances around her death.

Thirty-year-old Reshma who was married to Sagar Korgaonkar at Saligao for six years allegedly ended her life by hanging herself in the bedroom on November 24.

Calangute police had stated that they had recovered suicide note which claimed that ‘she was upset as she could not conceive and hence she decided to die.’ The family members refuse to buy this contention.

“She was killed. There were bruise marks on her body,” Reshma’s younger sibling Nilima Amrekar told a press conference today. When asked, she refused to speak on the suspect behind the murder.  As the death occurred within seven years of her marriage, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) is probing her death.

“The post-mortem has also confirmed bruises on her body,” Nilima said. The family members claim that the handwriting on the suicide note is not that of Reshma. “Reshma was harassed because she could not conceive. She usually did not discuss her problems as she was educated and financially independent,” she said.

The Amrekar family comprises of parents and six siblings. Nilima said that Reshma usually came to her mother’s place after work in the evening and later moved to her in-laws but she did not show any signs of distress.  “She was quite normal when she last met us. She told our mother that she will be buying a car. In that case, how can she commit suicide,” Nilima questioned. (HD)

TRAFFIC CHANGES WILL BE RESOLVED: MARGAO RTA

MARGAO: In a clear rebuff to the demand by the private bus operators to scrap the traffic changes introduced in the commercial capital, the RTA, Margao on Monday resolved to maintain with the decision banning short distance route buses from using the old bus stand.

The RTA is also believed to have found no problem with the notification on the ban on four-wheeler parking at the Pick-up stand road.

At the RTA meeting held on Monday, the traffic department submitted a report stating that the changes banning buses heading to Davorlim, Housing Board and other places have helped in decongesting the city.

RTA Chairman Johnson Fernandes said the Committee saw no reason in the demand by the bus operators to revert the traffic changes. “The committee after deliberations have found that the changes have helped in decongesting the city”, he added.

Moreover, he said that the RTA had told the agitating bus operators to come for the meeting and submit their case, but added that the bus operators were conspicuous by their absence.

Replying to a question, he said that since the traffic changes have helped to decongest the city, the traffic changes will continue in the future.  The short distance route bus owners had threatened to go on a hunger strike if the authorities failed to revert the decision.

Meanwhile, the RTA Chairman has said the meeting failed to understand the protest lodged by the market traders to the notification of two-wheeler parking on the stretch of road between Royal Foods and Borkar Super Stores along the pick-up stand.

He said there ought to be no problem for the market traders as far as unloading of goods are concerned, saying there is no restriction on the unloading of goods in the morning and afternoon session at the spot. (HD)

BURGLARS STRIKE AT SADOLXEM: TWO HOUSES AND CHAUDI SUPERMARKET

CANACONA: After a series of temple thefts in the State, burglars have now targeted Canacona and struck at three different places, including a super market at Chaudi and two residences at Sadolxem on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday.

The burglars gained entry into the super-store shop of Goa Bhagyatdar Society Ltd, Chaudi-Canacona, by break opening a lock at the rear side.

“At first glance, not much seems to have been taken away, but a summary account of the entire stock is being worked out as to the missing items, if any. Thieves may have come only for cash,” informed Goa Bhagyatdar’s Canacona Manager T Patil.

Since no cash was available, possibility of taking away cash is ruled out, even as police pressed dog squad into service to trace the tracks of the alleged culprits by Monday afternoon.

Given the enormity of the size of such a large and only super store in the whole of Canacona’s commercial hub Chaudi, till late evening stock summary was being finalized and none could ascertain what has been taken away.

Goa Bhagyatdar Chairman Narendra Savoikar and Managing Director Ulhas Umarye visited the store and took stock of the situation.  According to police sources, dog sniffed its way at a distance of just inside a hundred metres towards a primary school building and could not go beyond that.

Bhagyatdar officials present at the site could not ascertain which day the door breakages had taken place, as it was closed on Sunday, and lock’s tampering has been noticed only on Monday morning when the officials went to open the super store for the day.

Canacona PSI Terrence D’Costa informed that investigation is in progress under Canacona PI Raju Raut Dessai, however, possibility of turning this shop break into a major incident is ruled out.

In the second theft case, cash of Rs 30,000 and three gold bangles, worth Rs 85,000, were stolen from a residence belonging to one Ekimeo Fernandes at Sadolxem. The theft had reportedly taken place on Sunday night.  Police informed ASI Bana is investigating the case, but could not provide further details.

According to sources, in the third theft incident, roof tiles of a house belonging to one Socorina Barretto at Muthal-Sadolxem were removed on Saturday night, before the entire house was ransacked, apparently searching for valuable items and cash.

However, police said nothing was taken away from the house as there was no gold or cash in the house. “The culprits virtually made a mess inside the house while everything including cupboards, etc, were ransacked,” informed police. (HD)

UTILIZE COMMUNIDADE LAND FOR GARBAGE MANAGEMENT GETS GREEN SIGNAL

PANJIM: A proposal to utilize comunidade land for garbage management at St Cruz received a green signal at the gram sabha. However, some members insisted that the panchayat should follow it up before the next meeting.

The issue of garbage management dominated the Sunday meeting chaired by sarpanch Rosy A L Fernandes as some locals grilled the panchayat over the lack of a plan to tackle the menace. Peter Gonsalves, a villager, said it was the duty of the panchayat to hold meetings on a monthly basis and discuss the issue.

However, members said there was no land available to take up any proposal for garbage management. But villagers felt that a suitable site could be located in comunidade land, the survey numbers identified and the proposal followed up for land acquisition.

An office bearer of the local comunidade, Mariano Araujo said the comunidade had some land which could be utilized, and agreed to look into the matter. It was tentatively decided that a probable site and survey numbers could be identified for the purpose.

Villagers also complained about poor hygiene around the market and other areas. Methods of garbage disposal were also discussed with some suggesting segregation of waste at source.

Misuse of open spaces in the village for commercial purpose also figured at the meeting. The meeting took note of the fact that open spaces were illegally converted or encroached upon and the panchayat should tackle the misuse. However, one panch said no files showing open spaces were available. Nevertheless, members insisted that panchayat should look into the matter and prepare a plan marking open spaces.

It was also pointed out that parking of vehicles near the busy market area and church square has been causing congestion. Members suggested that signboards indicating 'no parking' be displayed in the area as people have problem passing through or go to church.

Villagers also raised the issue of half a dozen illegal huts erected near All India radio station and demanded that they be razed before they gain a permanent status. (TNN)

PROTEST PLANNED AGAINST HIGHWAY EXPANSION AT IFFI VENUE

PANJIM:  In a bid to seek national and international attention, a protest would be held at the ongoing International Film Festival of India on Monday against the expansion of the national highway in the state.  The sit-in would be staged by members of the National Highway Diversion Action Committee, its convenor Sunil Desai told reporters here today.

The protest would be held in front of the Entertainment Society of Goa office, he said.  "This will be peaceful sit-in. We want national and international media and delegates attending the festival to know about the issue," Desai said.

NHDAC has demanded that the state government should change the current alignment of the national highway expansion, which is passing through urban areas.  The action committee, which has held a public meeting and road blockages in the past, has threatened to intensify the agitation.

Desai said the sit-in will highlight the intense damage the national highways current alignment would do to the state. He said state government will be notifying Section 3 (D) of National Highways Act to acquire land required for the expansion.  "Chief Minister Digamber Kamat had assured that he would not acquire even an inch of land for the highway expansion.

But the information received under Right to Information specifies that the state will have to acquire 51.60 lakh square metres of land for the purpose," Dinesh Waghela, a senior activist said. - PTI

NIZ GOENKAR SOCCER TEAM MAKES ITS STUNNING DEBUT IN MUSCAT, OMAN

(Our First New Soccer Team Introduced in Muscat, OMAN)

MUSCAT: The Niz Goenkar’s soccer team which was formed a few days ago, made their debut in the OICC All India 11-A-Side football tournament which witnessed 12 teams competing for the glittering OICC trophy at the Al Bustan Stadium on Friday, 26th November 2010.

Our First NIZ GOENKAR football team in Muscat, Oman

The young team, playing against the regular stalwarts of soccer in Oman, put up a brilliant display of skills and combination to match the professionals in every area. Joe Vaz, Captain of Niz Goenkars, led skillfully his young and determined team but success eluded them. Many of the young lads had tears in their eyes after being knocked out of the tournament.

“A goalless draw against St. Francis Xavier Club did not help us”, said Johnny Barretto, Coach-cum-Manager of Niz Goenkars. “Even a one goal win would have made a big difference. The draw virtually put a brake on our aspirations of claiming the quarter finals berth due to the difference in points”, he further stated. “After conceding the opener to AIG, only a victory could have taken us through. If not for hitting the goalpost twice, our team could have sealed the victory and moved forward.”

Our NIZ GOENKAR team on the Ground-Mus

The young outfit of, Niz Goenkars totally dominated the proceedings against SFX. They displayed a power packed performance, but were unlucky not to score in the crucial match as the wood work came in between them and the net on a couple of occasions. Dawson, Terence, Mohsin, Sayid, Burairt and Sahid among others deserve special mention as they combined well in attack which on occasions frustrated and put their opposition in disarray. Captain, Joe Vaz, gave good morale support to his young, but talented team who played with determination and a “never say die” attitude.

“Niz Goenkars team was formed and put together at a very short notice. We did not have any match practice, as time was short and also some of the players had exams ongoing. Nevertheless, I am proud of my team and the way they played without faltering,” said Joe Vaz.

Our Squad of NIZ GOENKAR te

“Our boys were extraordinary and showed remarkable talent, playing like real professionals,” commented Johnny Barretto. “I am sure if we had time for a little match practice session, we could have come out on top. But all is not lost. We are planning to keep practicing regularly now as “one unit” and have already started planning our strategy for the next tournament to be held in February 2011,” he added.

“The support from Mr. Saturnino Rodrigues of Niz Goenkar, who could not be present on the grounds due to work commitment, also encouraged our lads to do well and we hope that we will get such back-up from Niz Goenkar in the future too,” commented Barretto.

The Kerala Black & White team won the tournament and the glittering OICC trophy by defeating Curtorim Gymkhana of Goa. (NIZ GOENKAR Sports Reporter from Oman)

GOVERNMENT GRATITUDE BY DRAGGING FARMERS TO THE COURT by Vishwas Prabhudesai, Loliem

The land for Konkan Railway in Loliem Canacona, was acquired by the Govt in early 90s and a part of compensation distributed. After almost three years. in place of giving the remaining part of the compensation, the farmers were issued notice to refund a portion of the compensation already given by bringing the price of land as low as Rs 3 per square meter by an award by the collector, thus forcing the farmers to go to Courts!

After almost 10 years when the Court gave their verdict, the Bureaucrats took the matte to HighCourts where the cases are pending. Now the Officials are boasting to take the farmers to Supreme Court if the High court verdict goes against them.

This Land acquisition by the Govt. for the Konkan railways is a genuine case of misusing the process of Law only to harass the farmers and dragging them in the lengthy Court procedures !

The Government for the BG line of Konkan Railways is a classic case of forcing/dragging the farmers to the Courts after acquiring their land at throw away price! It is a case of indifferent politicians and bureaucrats- subjecting the farmers to lengthy judicial procedures- fighting cases against the tax payer at the tax payer's money!

It is a tragedy that in some cases the party whose land was acquired has expired and the process continues for decades! A tragic picture of the justice to the common man!

As the Chairman of the Law Commission, Mr. Khalap would do a great service to the people of Goa if he could evolve some guidelines for the bureaucrats to follow in the land acquisition cases!

SUNITA SAWANT ‘S PETITION AGAINST AIRES: HC TO HEAR ARGUMENTS ON NOV 30TH

PANJIM: Bombay High Court at Goa Justice N.A. Britto will on Nov 30th hear arguments on the petition filed by Police Inspector Sunita Sawant challenging the acquittal of Adv. Aires Rodrigues in the 2004 Ribandar Church case.

Adv. Rodrigues has raised preliminary objection to the petition stating that Inspector Sunita Sawant herself could not have filed a revision as it had to be filed by the State through its Public Prosecutor. Adv. Rodrigues’s contention is also that the law does not permit a second revision in the same case.

The first revision filed by the Government was dismissed by the Sessions Judge Mrs. Vijaya Pol on 4th June this year while upholding Panaji Chief Judicial Magistrate Mr.P.M.Shinde’s order discharging Adv. Rodrigues from the 2004 Ribandar Church case.

Judge Pol in her judgment had stated that Adv. Rodrigues was rightly discharged. Earlier Panaji Chief Judicial Magistrate Mr. P.M.Shinde had on 22nd December last year directed that further proceedings be stopped against Adv. Rodrigues in the charge sheet filed against him in connection with the 2004 Ribandar Church incident.

Along with Adv. Aires Rodrigues, 14 other Ribandar residents have been charge sheeted in the case including an 80 year old widow who is now bedridden. The charge sheet had been filed in connection with an incident that allegedly took place in 2004 at the Ribandar Church premises when Adv. Aires Rodrigues was leading an agitation demanding action against the then Ribandar Parish priest Fr. Newton Rodrigues for having allegedly molested a 13 year old girl from Ribandar.

The High Court will now have to decide whether Sunita Sawant could have filed the petition against Adv. Rodrigues and whether a second revision is maintainable in law.

The High Court will also have to decide on the objection raised by Adv. Aires Rodrigues that the two Special Public Prosecutors have not been officially appointed to appear in the revision petition against him filed by Inspector Sunita Sawant

Every hearing of the petition filed against Adv. Rodrigues is costing the State Rs 7000 by way of fees being paid to the two Special Public Prosecutors handling the case against Adv. Rodrigues. On 30th Nov will be the 6th hearing of this petition.

THE CRITICAL STATE OF THE INDIAN JUDICIARY by Adv. Aires Rodrigues

The indictment by the Supreme Court that there was something very rotten about the Allahabad High Court is yet another slap to the already badly bruised and battered judiciary. The suggestion to transfer the rotten apples elsewhere is no solution to the malaise.

Any judge with the slightest taint should be instantly sent packing. For this there is need for the law to be amended so that the Chief Justice of our country does not remain a helpless spectator to this judicial chaos. The proposed Judicial Accountability Bill with some more added rigors is the need of the hour. There has to be utmost transparency and accountability in the selection of every judge stepping into the temples of justice. There is a need to act with a sense of urgency in this direction to rescue the judiciary before it moves into a irreversible coma.

INEPT ADMINISTRATION by Jonas Correia, Aldona

Our freedom fighters have woken up from slumber after 50 years to suggest change of names of places. They are not bothered about people’s progress as long as they receive pension and get job reservations for their wards.

Chaos, frustration and injustice is rampant. Is this the kind of freedom we fought for? People, therefore, are left with no choice but to compare the old colonial regime with the elected one.

The late Dr Jack de Sequeira was repeatedly pleading with the electorate to give his party just one chance in order to streamline the administration and root out corruption. But our elected ‘Babus’ destroyed all the good work of the previous administration by borrowing acts and legislation from other states. People’s progress is reflected in the local government’s inability to provide a simple job to the children of the soil to live a decent and affordable life.

MUNICIPALITY OFFICES IN GOA TO BE COMPUTERISED: CM KAMAT

CANACONA: The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat said all the municipality offices in the state will be computerised and in due course, the process of obtaining any certificate will be simplified. Mr Kamat was speaking after distributing cheques and sewing machines to the needy and flood-affected residents of Canacona.

He said the Congress government has so far distributed over Rs 2 crore to the flood-affected residents in the form of cash and home appliances. Transport Minister, Mr Sudin Dhavalikar, MLAs, Mr Vijay Pai Khot and Mr Ramesh Tawadkar were also present on the occasion.

The function was organised by the Rotary Club of Cuncolim and Rotary Club of Napoli (Italy) in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department at the municipal hall, Chaudi. In all 35 sewing machines and cheques of Rs 1 lakh were distributed at the hands of Mr Kamat, Mr Dhavalikar, Mr Khot and Mr Tawadkar.

Mr Dhavalikar called upon women to utilise the sewing machines for a better purpose and also asked the gathering to cooperate with the government with regards to the widening of the roads.

Canacona MLA, Mr Khot congratulated Mr Kamat for his timely help while Mr Tawadkar requested the Chief Minister to help other affected farmers from the taluka. Mr Ratnakar Dhuri, CMC chairperson also spoke on the occasion

Earlier, Mr Bhiku Desai, president of Rotary Club of Cuncolim welcomed the gathering while the South Goa collector, Mr G P Naik introduced the chief guest and other dignitaries. Later, Mr Angle, vice president of Rotary Club of Cuncolim proposed the vote of thanks.(NT)

USGAO-GANJEM GRAM SABHA WITNESSES NOISY SCENES

MARCEL: Usgao-Ganjem Gram Sabha on Sunday witnessed noisy scenes over the issue of illegal parking of trucks by an industrial estate in Marwa-Sada, Usgao.

The residents were left furious after Usgao-Ganjem Deputy Sarpanch Manohar Gaude left the gram sabha midway when villagers demanded to know what action has been taken in regard to the resolutions taken during the last gram sabha.

Deputy Sarpanch Gaude, who is the acting sarpanch, and who chaired the meeting did not answer any of the queries. With mounting pressure from villagers to reply to the queries, the deputy Sarpanch left the meeting hall. Later, some villagers even followed him in order to bring him back to the gram sabha, but they did not succeed.

Usgao Uva Morcha President Tulshidas Prabhu sought to know the status of the resolution passed during the last gram sabha meeting. “I want to know what action the panchayat has taken against the industrial unit which is illegally parking trucks and has converted it into a yard. Does the panchayat receive any application from the company for parking trucks,” asked Prabhu.

“This resolution was taken during the last gram sabha and I want to know what action has been taken,” he added.

However, acting Sarpanch Manohar Gaude said the land belongs to the company and the company need not require any permission from the panchayat.

But the villagers were not satisfied with Gaude’s reply, as they claimed that though the land belongs to the company, but the company is bound to take permission for parking or using it as a yard. The furious villagers demanded to take action and stalled the proceedings of the gram sabha until the issue was resolved.

The villagers demanded for a quick reply from the sarpanch. However, to everyone’s surprise the deputy sarpanch walked away from the meeting hall. (HD)

TURMOIL AT CANCA OVER THE PROPOSED COMMERCIAL PROJECT

MAPUSA: Verla Canca gram sabha that was held, on Sunday, witnessed turmoil over a proposed commercial project that is to come up at D’Mello Waddo, Canca. Secretary surrendering to the demand of the villagers adopted a resolution seeking revocation of the licence issued to undertake the project.

On Sunday morning, as scheduled, a large number of people turned up for the gram sabha. The villagers, after gathering at the panchayat hall, expressed resentment over the fact that the huge crowd was being squeezed in a small hall.

Though the villagers demanded that the gram sabha be held outside, the sarpanch and the other panch members refused to pay heed to their demand. The secretary read the minutes of the last meeting. The villagers took to their feet when deputy sarpanch, Mr Bicholkar in presence of sarpanch, Ms Marquis began to conduct the meeting.

Villagers objected to this and wondered why the deputy sarpanch was conducting the meeting when sarpanch, Ms Marquis was present. However, later Ms Marquis pacified the crowd.

As the gram sabha proceeded, villagers objected to a commercial project involving around 35 flats coming up at D’ Mello Waddo in the name of Highland Park.

The members of the Canca Citizen’s Forum pointed out that the village was already facing problems related to garbage, water and other issues and this would further put burden on the village infrastructure.

President of the Forum, Mr Anand Pandre also opposed the manner in which the file was cleared by the panchayat. Chaos was witnessed in between for a few minutes as the deputy sarpanch snatched the minutes’ book from the secretary.

Locals who witnessed this, questioned the secretary about the book, and the secretary said that it was with the deputy sarpanch. Villagers were seen shouting and trying to put forth their grievances before the panchayat body.

Police personnel were also present. Villagers demanded that the permission to the project in survey number 32/26 be revoked and the construction licence be withdrawn by the panchayat.

Zilla panchayat member, Mr Korgaonkar who was present also supported the people. According to the people, the proposed project likely to come up at a cost of nearly Rs 3 crore, could prove to be a burden on the village infrastructure.

A resolution was then taken in accordance with the wishes of the people to revoke the licence to the said project. Other development issues and issues pertaining to garbage were also discussed by the sarpanch and deputy sarpanch.

GOVT. GIVES IFFI MORE IMPORTANCE THAN THE OLD GOA NOVENAS AND FEAST

OLD GOA: A large number of devotees thronged Old Goa on the fourth day of the novenas in honour of St Francis Xavier on Saturday. Sources said that over a lakh devotees attended the masses that started at 5am. As the 9.30am mass ended, however, two persons fainted, and in the absence of emergency services (ambulances) had to be transported by private vehicles for medical treatment, said sources.

"What arrangement has the government made in Old Goa for this annual religious event where thousands of people converge," asked a devotee, Anthony Mendonca. "The government which swears by the aam admi is only devoting its energy to ensure that the International Film Festival of India (Iffi) is a success," he fumed.

When contacted, Rajesh Waghware, CEO of GVK EMRI which runs '108' ambulance service, denied that their ambulance had been diverted for Iffi to Panaji. "Our Old Goa ambulance is stationed there but may be at the point of time the vehicle was attending another call. For certain it has not been shifted elsewhere," Waghware said.

The fire services department too said ambulances attached to the Old Goa fire station have not been deputed for Iffi. "Our ambulance is stationed at the Old Goa fire station which is located very close to the Old Goa religious centre," an official said.

Meanwhile, Fr Savio Barreto, rector of Bom Jesus Basilica, once again urged the government to change the date of Iffi so that it does not clash with the novenas and the feast of St Francis Xavier.

"Church authorities, including me, have been urging the chief minister, in writing, since February 2008 to use his good offices to change the dates of the International Film Festival of India, since the clash of both events is very inconveniencing to the devotees," Barreto said (TNN)

WILL FR NEWTON HAVE TO RETURN TO GOA TO DEPOSE IN RIBANDAR CHURCH CASE?

PANJIM: If Crime Branch Inspector Sunita Sawant succeeds in her petition before the High Court challenging the acquittal of Adv. Aires Rodrigues in the 2004 Ribandar Church case the former Parish Priest of Ribandar Fr. Newton Rodrigues who is the Complainant will have to depose in the case. Fr. Newton Rodrigues is currently settled in Canada and is Pastor of St. Bernadette Church at Calgary.

Adv. Rodrigues has today stated that he would seek the help of the Bishop of Calgary Frederick Henry to ensure that Fr. Newton Rodrigues is brought to Goa to depose in the case.

Along with Adv. Aires Rodrigues, 14 other Ribandar residents have been charge sheeted in the case including an 80 year old widow who is now bedridden. The charge sheet has been filed in connection with an incident that allegedly took place in 2004 at the Ribandar Church premises when Adv. Aires Rodrigues was leading an agitation demanding action against the then Ribandar Parish priest Fr. Newton Rodrigues for having allegedly molested a 13 year old girl from Ribandar.

While Adv. Rodigues and others were charge sheeted for confronting Fr. Newton Rodrigues the case filed against Fr. Newton Rodrigues by the mother of the 13 year old girl who was allegedly molested by Fr. Newton has been closed.

A First Information Report (F.I.R) was registered at the Old Goa Police Station on 18th August 2004 against Fr. Newton Rodrigues for having allegedly molested a 13 year old girl. The F.I.R was registered against him under Sec 354 of Indian Penal Code and Section 8(2) of the Goa Children’s Act. The mother in her complaint to the police had stated that Fr. Newton Rodrigues had taken the minor girl to his bedroom on the pretext of confession and had molested her.

The then Senior Superintendent of Police (Crime) on 30th August 2004 opined that the Fr. Newton Rodrigues be charge sheeted. Director of Prosecution had also opined that it was a fit case for charge sheeting the accused priest Fr Newton Rodrigues.

However then Governor of Goa Mr. S.C Jamir reportedly intervened to save Fr. Newton Rodrigues from being charge sheeted. On 14th July 2005 the whole file on the case against Fr. Newton Rodrigues was sent to Governor S.C. Jamir. On 31st August 2005 the police submitted a report to the Children’s Court that the case against Fr. Newton Rodrigues be closed. Fr. Newton Rodrigues was later relieved from the Archdiocese of Goa and moved to Canada.

UNION MINISTRY OF COMMERCE CLEARED TO DENOTIFY THE 3 SEZ'S: SHANTARAM NAIK

PANJIM: Decks have now been cleared for the Union Ministry of Commerce to denotify the three notified SEZs in Goa, said Mr Shantaram Naik, MP, who has been vigorously pursuing the issue of denotification for the last two years.

In a statement, issued, on Saturday, Mr Naik expressed his happiness over the judgement pronounced by the division bench of Bombay High Court at Goa declaring allotment of land to the SEZ developers in Goa as illegal.

He said, "In the talks that the three developers of notified SEZs had with the then Union Minister of Commerce, Mr Kamal Nath about two years back, they had indicated to Mr Nath in presence of the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, myself and South Goa MP, Mr Francisco Sardinha that they were willing to give up their SEZ proposals as they were convinced of the Commerce Minister’s argument that they cannot go on with the SEZ in Goa against the wishes of the people and the government."

The MP pointed out that the developers thereafter cunningly filed petitions in the court when in fact they were supposed to discuss the matter of compensation or some alternate smaller plot for non-SEZ activity as one of the developers had suggested to the minister.

He further said that, to the misfortune of Goa, Union Commerce Ministry took a stand that they would wait for the disposal of the pending petitions, even though there was clear assurance to Goa delegation that the three SEZs would be denotified after the minister accepted his argument that as per law, authority which had power to notify had, an inherent power to denotify, although under SEZ Act there was no specific power to denotify an SEZ.

Mr Naik said that he argued with Mr Anand Sharma who had taken over the Commerce Ministry that there was no order of injunction issued against the Union Government by the division bench restraining them from denotifying the said three SEZs but Mr Sharma did not appear to be in a mood to do anything while petitions on the subject were pending in the court.

He said that he would meet the Commerce Minister, Mr Sharma on Monday and insist on issuing the notifications to denotify the three SEZs.

It may be recalled that state of Goa had requested the Commerce Minister to denotify the said three SEZs after an agitation started in Goa as the people of the state realised that SEZ developers were only interested in land grabing without any assurance to give jobs to Goans.

It was also discovered that the area of land that they sought was many times more than their actual requirement thus indicating that the developers had a hidden plan to use most of the land for commercial purpose. (NT)

GOA POLICE COMPLAINT AUTHORITY HAS CALLED FOR FURTHER ACTION: ANTHONY D'SILVA V/S MARGAO PI

MARGAO: The State Police Complaint Authority has called for further action in respect of the complaint filed by social activist Anthony D’Silva against Margao Police Inspector Santosh Desai.

“We have gone through the facts on record and heard both the petitioner Anthony D’Silva and the respondent PI Santosh Desai. In view of the contradicting stand taken by both parties on material facts which may be relevant to adjudicate the complaint, we direct that further action be taken in order to ascertain the truth of the matter, ordered SPCA Chairman Justice Dr Eurico Santana da Silva.

Briefing newsmen, Anthony D’Silva said the preliminary order pronounced by the SPCA proves beyond doubt that picking up of any citizen and detaining him at the police station for hours in a shabby manner is no more an unchallenged act of the police. “I am happy for the people of Goa that my complaint has been accepted and admitted for arguments”, he said.

D’Silva had complained to the SPCA that he was detained by the Margao police on Independence Day while he was peacefully seating near the Margao Municipal garden.

He contended that the police after detaining him at the police station did not allow him to celebrate the Independence Day function at the District Collectorate building nor allowed him to even call his family or lawyer to convey to them about his detention.

Incidentally, PI Desai in his reply to the complaint, has contended that D’Silva was not detained by the police, but had come to the police station on his own.

Saying that he has not committed any illegal act, PI Desai said complainant D’Silva is at fault since no permission was obtained for his activity. “Though he was asked by me to go towards Kamat Hotel on grounds of security reasons, he had left the place and went to the police station and created problem”, PI Desai claimed.(HD)

MADKAIKAR EXPRESSES SATISFACTION OVER GOVT. DECISION TO PUT HOLD ON LAND ACQUISITION PROCESS

OLD GOA: Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar on Saturday expressed satisfaction over the State government’s decision to keep on hold the land acquisition process to widen the NH4A along the Old Goa-Corlim route.

It may be noted that the House Committee meeting on Friday had given its nod to finalise the alignment of 35-km stretch between Panjim and Usgao, but had kept on hold the decision on the alignment for the stretch between Old Goa-Corlim and Bhoma.

Though the House Committee had unanimously decided to impose Section 3(D) of land acquisition, it had suggested a bypass from Old Goa to Bhoma, which could save many structures.

Madkaikar who is also the House Committee member on the NH4A and NH17 said he was part of the House Committee meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, on Friday.  “At that meeting, I had pointed out the affected houses along the NH4A route between Old Goa and Corlim, which falls in my constituency,” said Madkaikar.

“I had requested the committee to keep the land acquisition process on hold, as we do not want even a single house or anyone to be affected with the widened NH4A,” he added.  Commenting on the issue of a road divider, Madkaikar told the House Committee that a divider in the middle of the road would end up dividing a village.

“In Corlim, if a divider is put up it would not only divide the village but will also divide one ward of a village.” “Due to this a lot of religious programmes would be affected and hence, I have suggested not having road dividers in these areas,” the MLA said. (HD)

ANTI NARCOTIC CELL FACES SHORTAGE OF STAFF

PANJIM: While, the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) is already facing serious staff shortage, the Goa Police have transferred ANC Police Sub-Inspector Sunil Gudlar to security office at police headquarters.

It is also learnt through sources that PSI Meera D’Silva is also being transferred to Immigration but the relieving order is yet en-route.

Ironically, some of the existing staff has been diverted for IFFI and forthcoming Old Goa feast on December 3, literary bringing down the staff here to negligible.

After surviving so long without an officer to the rank of Police Inspector, the PSI Gudlar who arrested the international drug dealer David Driham alias Dudu is now being shunted.

Even as tourism season has mounted the worries of increased narco trade in the State, the ANC - formed to counter the drugs - is feeling “weak in its knees”.

It may be recalled in the last month, Superintendent of Police Veenu Bansal had left on a fortnight long leave. With the tourist season picking up, it’s a known secret that drugs are pushed into the State during this time and kept hidden at several places only to be peddled later.

ANC which is having two police inspectors’ posts sanctioned presently does not have even single one. The sanction is looked after by two PSIs, a head constable and 11 constables, which are much lesser than the actual sanctioned strength.

Meanwhile, ANC’s fresh proposal to start a unit at Margao, which was rejected earlier, seems a distant dream now even as the chief minister had asked to put forth the proposal intending to start a unit in South.(HD)

GOVERNMENT ISSUES LETTER OF INTENT TO ARIHANT SHIP BREAKERS

PANJIM: The government on Saturday issued letter of intent to M/s Arihant Ship Breakers, the Mumbai-based firm which successfully bid the tender for cutting and removing the River Princess.

The letter of intent was sent by the director of tourism, Mr Swapnil Naik, through e-mail and also through post. With the issue of letter of intent the government has set in motion the process of the removal of the ship that has been lying grounded at Candolim for over 10 years.

The tourism director also informed that he has awarded the work of the evaluation of the value of scrap of the vessel to another Mumbai-based evaluating firm, M/s Uday Bogte and Associates. The firm was the lowest bidder.

Soon after receiving the response from the management of M/s Arihant and the receipt of report as regards to the value of the scrap of the ship, the government would move ahead to sign a formal contract. (NT)

PERNEM MAGISTRATE'S ORDER QUASHED BY ADDITIONAL SESSIONS COURT

PANJIM: The Additional Sessions Judge, Panjim, Mr P V Sawaikar quashed the order passed by the Magistrate, Pernem directing the Superintendent of Police, North Goa to register an FIR against police officers, Mr Krishna Subhaji and Mr Sachin Narvekar, on the ground that the allegations made against them were incorrect.

On February 16, 2010, a complaint was filed by one Mr Hire M Parab with the Superintendent of Police, North Goa, against the said Mr Krishna Subhaji, ASI and Mr Sachin Narvekar, PSI, both attached to the Pernem police station.

In the complaint, it was alleged that the said officers committed a crime of framing incorrect writings on FIR register maintained by Pernem police station and on other documents thereby committing offence punishable under Section 218 of the IPC.

On March 30, 2010 the complainant was informed by the Sub –Divisional Police Officer, Mapusa that an inquiry has been conducted and it was revealed that name of one Raghunath Kale Parab was wrongly mentioned instead of Ranganath Kale Parab, in the copy of FIR due to oversight; and that the name has been correctly mentioned in the original complaint and the charge-sheet has been filed with the correct name.

However, the complainant filed a petition before the Magistrate seeking for a direction to register FIR against the police officers under Section 218 of IPC.

The Magistrate based upon the complaint filed by Mr Parab passed an order directing the Superintendent of Police, North Goa to register an FIR against the said officers under Section 156(3) of the CrPC.

Being aggrieved by the order, the officers challenged it before the Additional Sessions Judge, Panjim on the ground that such an order of the Magistrate was in excess of the parameters of Section 156 (3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure and as such was illegal and liable to be set aside.

Mr Galileo Telles appearing on behalf of the officers urged that the magistrate could not have directed registration of the FIR when inquiry was already conducted in the matter and the initiation of the proceedings is shear abuse of the process of the Court.

The Court, while setting aside the order of the magistrate, noted that ordering registration of the FIR against the petitioners who too are police officers, it was necessary for the Magistrate to call for the say of the Superintendent of Police, North Goa and the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Mapusa so that the police offers are not unnecessarily harassed and pressurised.

Accordingly, Additional Sessions Judge, Panjim, held that the allegation made against the said officers that there was incorrect writing made only to save the accused number 1 on the face of records, is not correct.

The Court thereafter quashed the impugned order of the Magistrate, Pernem, thus cancelling the FIR registered against the said officers. (NT)

TRUTH IN AN ENCOURAGING EMAIL RECEIVED FROM JOHN R. FERNANDES

(Received by email on 25th November 2010)

Dear Editor of Niz Goenkar

I thought of writing a few words of encouragement to you I have come across your blog Niz Goenkar , I am residing in Mumbai since my childhood, It is shocking to know that our Politicians , officials from village and other vested interest are keen on destroying Goa for their own selfish needs, the beautiful Goa that it was is all lost , it will not be long before we will be dominated by outsiders in our own place and will be left orphans ,first of all our language konkani is not in place.

Marathi is finding its entry through the back door, the Goans who were familiar with the roman script Konkani are also at a lost, some of our crook politicians are fooling us that they will fight for Konkani in Roman script, but these are empty promises, mega projects are the order of the day, I am from Oxel, when I last visited Goa in May10, I found that there is a residential project coming up in the once sleepy village.

when I talked to the villagers they told me that they protested , probably a feeble one , once it comes up all will be lost, it is good that you’ll have taken the right steps to fight the system of its wrong, for this we will have to all join hands together to fight for our motherland Goa. I wish you all the best. - John R. Fernandes

IFFI A WHITE ELEPHANT by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

The government should come out with a white paper as to in which way IFFI is beneficial to Goa and Goans.This annual extravaganza is definitely a colossal waste of public money. An unnecessary and unjustified drain on the State exchequer. The Government should get its priorities right.

 Instead of focusing on good roads, uninterrupted power supply, regular water and good health care facilities for the local people the government keeps pumping crores down the drain on IFFI. To the thousands of senior citizens whose old age pension applications cannot be processed for lack of funds, the IFFI tamasha is no solace.

To some IFFI may be a feast with those politicians and their contractor chums rejoicing on the quick dividends they can amass and swallow in hurriedly and shabbily executed works in the name of IFFI.

In all that it does a good government should focus on the common man’s vows. Public funds and government machinery should not be misused for one’s personal benefit. One should not wine, dine and make merry at the cost of the State exchequer. But this is a government which likes to spend. It's a crore a year even on the Advocate General. There has to be transparency and accountability in every paisa spent from the State exchequer. Goa cannot continue to be forever hospitable. It’s time to assess what benefit the state gets from any event it hosts.

FORMER IGP KD SINGH SON’S CAR CRASH COST THE TAX PAYER Rs. 4 ,33, 200

PANJIM: The 4th December 2009 car crash by the son of Goa’s former IGP, Mr. K.D.Singh while driving his father’s official a Toyota Innova GA-07-G-0063 has cost the State exchequer Rs 4, 33, 200. This has been revealed in information furnished to Adv. Aires Rodrigues under the Right to Information Act.

Siddharth Singh the IGP’s son was driving his father’s official vehicle along with his friends to a night club at Vasco that late night when he crashed the vehicle also damaging two electricity poles.

The information furnished to Adv. Aires Rodrigues further reveals that the Goa Government has given financial and administrative approval for the repair of that vehicle and has decided not to recover the amount from either the former IGP or his son.

The file notings obtained by Adv. Rodrigues also reveals that almost 6 months after the accident, the Under Secretary Home on 16/6/2010 in a letter to the Director General of Police sought clarification as to how without the knowledge of the official driver the IGP’s son got the keys of that vehicle.

In a reply sent around two months later the police state that in case the vehicle was required for any contingency at night the driver had parked the vehicle at the IGP’s residence and left the keys there.

Director of Prosecution Mrs. Shobha Dhumaskar had in her legal opinion given on 22nd February this year opined that the IGP’s son should not be charge sheeted in the accident case that was registered against him.

While not suggesting any further investigation in the matter the Director of Prosecution in her opinion had stated that despite the heavy damage to the vehicle, there was no evidence of rash and negligent driving and that it would be difficult to prove the case against the IGP’s son Sidharth Singh.

The RTI information reveals that while former IGP Mr.KD.Singh and his son who was unauthorizedly driving his father’s official vehicle are scot free a different yardstick for a police driver who was involved in an accident in discharge of his official duties.

In another information furnished to Adv Aires Rodrigues under the Right to Information Act it has been informed that Rs 1833 a month is being deducted from the salary of Police Driver Vinod Malvankar for an accident a Police van being driven by him had met with on 27th August 2003.

The records reveal that police constable Vinod Malvankar is being penalized despite the Additional Sessions Judge and a police departmental inquiry as well ruling that he was not driving rash or negligently.

Reacting to the RTI information received Adv. Aires Rodrigues has stated that if indiscipline and cover up was by higher ups in the police force not much could be expected from the lower ranks.

May be this liberation day the Goa Government should reward former IGP Mr. K.D.Singh with a gold medal for having successfully drilled a Rs 4, 33, 200 deep hole into the State exchequer, stated Adv. Rodrigues.