the goan I network
MAPUSA
Accusing Deputy Speaker and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo of harassing social activists for opposing the PDA and ODP for Calangute constituency, a group of activists alleged that Lobo had been instrumental in getting false complaints filed against them.
“We strongly criticize such attitudes and if such oppressive approach continues, we will protest on the roads,” threatened social activist Sudeep Dalvi.
He was speaking to media persons during the protest outside the Calangute police station, after an offence was registered against social activist Roshan Mathias of Candolim over a complaint filed by Candolim panch Sandra Fialho.
Former Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes, former Calangute sarpanch Joseph Sequiera, AAP leader Valmiki Naik and others were present during the protest.
Roshan Mathias accused Fialho and her family members of assaulting him and threatening him with dire consequences, during an inspection of a property.
“The incident took place on March 18 when we conducted an inspection of the property at Candolim. Later, panch Fialho and her family members confronted us and then assaulted us. I filed a police complaint in the Calangute police station,” said Mathias.
“However, Fialho filed a false molestation complaint against me on March 23. I was booked for molestation and my complaint was clearly ignored,” complained Mathias.
“When I was assaulted, the police didn’t bother to come to the site, but bowing to political pressure, they booked me within three days,” claimed Mathias.
A delegation met Calangute PI Jivba Dalvi and requested him to take cognizance of the complaint filed by Mathias.
Green brigade condemns false cases against environmental campaigners
PANAJI: The Goa Green Brigade, a motley group of environmental campaigners, has strongly condemned what they call the arms twisting tactics adopted by the corrupt politicians to intimidate the activists involved in the fight against illegalities and protection of Goa’s environment.
In a statement to the media, Avertino Miranda has questioned the use of police apparatus in filing allegedly false cases against Candolim-based activist Roshan Mathias and others.
“This is highly deplorable and we take strong objection to this high-handed attitude. It has become a trend in Goa to harass and victimise complainants who are either ordinary citizens or activists who oppose illegalities in constructions, water bodies, landfilling, and those who oppose the destruction of Goa’s biodiversity,” Miranda said.
Goa Green Brigade on Monday stood in solidarity with the Candolim-based activists at the Calangute police station, he informed.
