Goa Police Transfer Colva Police Inspector Following Village Protest Over Church Visit
In a significant development in South Goa, the police department has transferred Colva Police Inspector Vikram Naik from his position. This administrative action came on Tuesday after local villagers staged a strong protest against his official visit to parish priest Fr Polly Lobo. The visit was connected to an ongoing property dispute between a local resident and a Delhi-based builder that has been creating tension in the community.
Escalating Property Dispute Triggers Police Intervention
According to South Goa Superintendent of Police Santosh Dessai, who currently holds additional charge of the district, the conflict centers around access rights to adjacent properties. The disagreement had been simmering for some time before escalating dramatically several days ago into a heated verbal confrontation that nearly turned physical. Both parties involved in the dispute sought guidance from Fr Polly Lobo, who advised them to resolve the matter amicably through dialogue and potentially with assistance from knowledgeable community members.
Following this advice, villagers organized a meeting at a local chapel where Fr Lobo was expected to attend. Police authorities, concerned about potential law and order issues arising from the volatile property dispute, decided to have PI Naik and his staff present at the venue as a precautionary measure. Subsequently, Naik and his team visited Colva church to hold discussions with Fr Lobo regarding the ongoing conflict and the planned community meeting.
Priest Describes Interaction as Courteous Despite Controversy
In his statement to media outlets, Fr Polly Lobo clarified that his interaction with Police Inspector Naik remained respectful throughout. "The police officer did not threaten me in any manner," the priest emphasized. "Our discussion was conducted with courtesy. Perhaps his intention was to delay my attendance at the villagers' meeting, but beyond that consideration, it was a normal professional exchange."
Despite the priest's characterization of the encounter as routine, news of police presence at the church spread rapidly through the village. This information prompted numerous villagers to rush to the church premises, where they immediately demanded a formal apology from PI Naik for what they perceived as inappropriate police involvement in community affairs.
MLA Joins Protest as Demands Escalate
The protest gained significant momentum when Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas joined the villagers in their demonstration. The gathering later shifted to the Colva police station, where Viegas formally presented three key demands on behalf of the community:
- An immediate and unconditional apology from Police Inspector Vikram Naik
- The prompt transfer of Naik from the Colva police station
- The registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the police officer
Superintendent Santosh Dessai arrived at the police station to address the escalating situation. After several hours of intense negotiations with the protesters and their political representative, Dessai agreed to implement one of their primary demands.
Administrative Resolution and Leadership Change
The South Goa police administration has now officially transferred Police Inspector Vikram Naik from the Colva police station. In his place, Cuncolim Police Inspector Diago Gracias has been given temporary charge of the Colva police station while permanent arrangements are finalized.
This incident highlights the delicate balance law enforcement must maintain when intervening in community disputes, particularly those with religious dimensions. While police authorities maintain their actions were precautionary measures to prevent potential violence, the strong community reaction demonstrates the sensitivity required when engaging with local institutions and leadership structures in Goa's unique cultural context.
