Incident occurred in presence of officials and police
Pernem
Advocate and social activist Sadanand Vaigankar was allegedly assaulted by a group of women and local residents in Dhargal on Friday while conducting a panchnama for three constructions, in the presence of police and government officials.
The police immediately rushed Vaigankar to hospital for treatment. The panchnama was carried out following a complaint by Nilesh Dharma Patekar, who alleged that buildings in Aushalbagh, Dhargal violated the Building Rules, the Town and Country Planning Act, and the Revenue Code, and that some business establishments were operating without complying with fire safety, health, and sanitation regulations.
Officials present included Dhargal Sarpanch Arjun Kanolkar, Panchayat Secretary Pritam Sawant, the Block Development Office engineer, Vaigankar, and local police. The assault reportedly occurred while Vaigankar was speaking to journalists. Pernem Police Inspector Haldankar confirmed a written complaint had been received and a case would be registered against those responsible.
Lawyers’ union condemns assault
MARGAO: The Goa unit of the All India Lawyers’ Union (AILU) condemned the assault on Adv. Sadanand Vaigankar at Dhargal during a site inspection. The Union demanded a high-level probe into the incident and the reported inaction at the site. Union leaders called the assault intolerable.
