In a significant development, the President's secretariat has stepped into a contentious land dispute in Goa, directing the state's revenue department to take urgent action. The case revolves around allegations of illegal grabbing of temple land measuring 13,000 square meters in Xeldem.
Central Intervention in State Matter
The Under Secretary (Revenue-II), Agnelo D'Souza, has formally forwarded a detailed complaint to the South Goa collector. The directive mandates a thorough examination of the allegations and necessary follow-up action. This high-level intervention underscores the seriousness of the accusations, which involve property belonging to the Shree Santeri Shantadurga Devasthan temple.
The land in question is officially listed under survey number 172/2 in Xeldem. As per the rules, this property is under the control and custody of the administrator of the devalaya, who also serves as the mamlatdar of Quepem. The complainants in the case, Vishal Ulhas Gauns Dessai and Aditya Raut Dessai, have raised serious charges of fraudulent land transfers and unauthorized construction.
Allegations of Fraudulent Mutation and Illegal Construction
The core of the complaint alleges that the names of three individuals from a minority community were illegally added to the official property records. This mutation was reportedly done without the mandatory documentation or the crucial approval from the temple authorities. The complainants have directly accused the mamlatdar's office of certifying these mutations without verifying the custodial rights of the temple.
Furthermore, they state that the required government approval for the transfer of temple properties was never secured. Adding to the violations, illegal construction has allegedly been carried out on the land, which is classified as agricultural. This construction reportedly proceeded without obtaining necessary clearances from the relevant regulatory authorities.
Community Reaction and Expected Outcomes
The case has stirred considerable public debate, becoming a fiery topic of discussion during gram sabhas in Xeldem. The local community has been actively engaged in seeking justice for what they perceive as a blatant encroachment on sacred trust property.
Expressing relief at the central intervention, complainant Aditya Raut Dessai called it "a victory for truth." He stated that they now expect the South Goa collector to conduct a rigorous investigation into the fraudulent mutations. The complainants also demand the demolition of all illegal structures erected on the temple land.
This directive from the President's secretariat places significant pressure on the state revenue machinery to act swiftly and transparently. The outcome of the collector's examination will be closely watched, as it involves issues of religious property, administrative procedure, and alleged corruption.
