Goa Police Interrogate 35 Individuals Including RG President Over Minister Residence March
Panaji: Goa police have conducted interrogations of approximately 35 persons, including Revolutionary Goans (RG) president Manoj Parab, in connection with a First Information Report (FIR) registered against them. The FIR pertains to a march last week to the residence of Town and Country Planning (TCP) minister Vishwajit Rane in Dona Paula. North Goa Superintendent of Police Harish Madkaikar confirmed the developments on Monday.
Parab Denounces Police Action as Intimidation Tactic
Manoj Parab responded to the police notice by stating that such actions are not new for him but are designed to create fear among common citizens. He emphasized that a large number of people had gathered to protect their village lands. "If we are scared of a police notice, we will not be able to save the land. This is the second revolution in Goa to save land from the hands of people from Delhi," Parab declared, framing the protest as a grassroots movement against external interference.
Multiple FIRs Filed Against Protesters and Political Leaders
On Saturday, Goa police filed an FIR targeting several high-profile individuals and activists. The accused include leader of opposition Yuri Alemao, Congress Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira, AAP Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, AAP Velim MLA Cruz Silva, Manoj Parab, and approximately 1,500 supporters. They are alleged to have marched to Minister Rane's residence and blocked the road for nearly eight hours, disrupting normal activities.
In a separate incident, Panaji police registered another FIR against RG St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar and around 25 villagers from Siridao. This case involves allegations of criminal trespassing into the TCP office, indicating a broader pattern of protest actions.
A third FIR was lodged against Borkar, Parab, 20 Siridao villagers, and others. This complaint accuses them of theft involving 10 files and criminal trespass at the TCP office located in Patto. These legal actions highlight the escalating tensions between authorities and demonstrators.
Police Outline Charges and Protest Objectives
Authorities have clarified that a total of three FIRs have been registered by Panaji police in connection with various protest events. The primary demand of the protesters is the scrapping of Section 39(A) of the TCP Act, which they argue threatens local land rights.
Police officials stated that the accused individuals, acting with a common objective, formed an unlawful assembly. They organized the protest without obtaining prior permission from the competent authority, ostensibly to show solidarity with Viresh Borkar and advocate for the repeal of Section 39A. This legal provision has become a focal point for widespread discontent among Goan residents concerned about land use and development policies.
The interrogations and FIRs underscore the ongoing conflict between protest groups and state authorities in Goa, with significant implications for local governance and civil liberties. As the situation develops, further legal and political repercussions are anticipated.
