A serious legal petition has been filed with Goa's directorate of panchayats, demanding the urgent removal of Arpora-Nagoa's sarpanch, Roshan Redkar. The allegations centre on a severe abuse of power, statutory violations, and corruption, directly linked to the issuance of an establishment licence to the now-notorious nightclub, Birch by Romeo Lane. This is the very venue where a devastating fire recently claimed 25 lives.
Core Allegations: Illegal Licence in a Prohibited Zone
The petition, submitted by local resident Shiraj Pednekar, accuses Sarpanch Redkar of illegally authorising the licence for the nightclub. It states the club was operating in an environmentally sensitive and prohibited zone, a clear violation that the petition argues contributed to the tragic incident. Representing Pednekar, advocate Simran Kanekar highlighted that this is not an isolated case of alleged misconduct by the sarpanch.
A Pattern of Alleged Violations Uncovered
Kanekar brought to light another significant illegality. She stated that the sarpanch had issued repair licences for 13 non-existent structures within the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) area. According to the law, the authority to issue such construction licences rests solely with the panchayat secretary, raising a critical question of jurisdiction.
"How did the sarpanch perform those duties?" Kanekar questioned. She further alleged that Redkar went on to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for electricity and water connections to these phantom structures. "If structures do not exist, to whom were electricity and water connections given?" she asked, pointing to a potentially deeper administrative scandal.
Official Notice Served, Deadline Set
In response to these grave allegations, the director of panchayats has officially issued a notice to Sarpanch Roshan Redkar. This notice is returnable by December 26, giving the elected official a deadline to respond to the charges of corruption and statutory violations levelled against him. The outcome of this petition could have significant repercussions for local governance in the area.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about regulatory oversight and the enforcement of zoning laws, especially in ecologically fragile areas like the CRZ. The tragic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane has now ignited a fierce legal and administrative battle, seeking accountability for the decisions that may have paved the way for the catastrophe.
