MAPUSA
King Momo may have proclaimed a decree of fun and merriment for the next four days in Goa, but an overenthusiastic traffic police in Mapusa stifled the joy of a Mapusa man, who regularly participated in the carnival parade for the last two decades.
Mapusa Traffic PSI Laxman Chari detained the vehicle of Gaunsavaddo resident, Terence Carvalho, while he was proceeding to take part in the Panaji carnival. Incidentally, Terence Carvalho and his vehicle were featured in the Saturday’s edition of The Goan.
The car, which was modified to take part in the junk car category, was apparently detained for having been repainted and not having proper number plate.
A distraught Terence cried foul against the police action and doubted political vendetta behind the move.
“All these years, I have been participating in the junk category by modifying my car and no one took action on me. Why only this year,” he questioned.
“I wonder if police ever worked with such enthusiasm in taking action on so many irregularities other motorists indulge in,” he added.
At around 2 pm on Saturday afternoon Terence was proceeding with his modified car along with this son and daughter including his niece and nephew to participate in the float parade in Panaji.
“The traffic police followed us and later overtook us after the Green Park hotel on the highway and stopped us near the Guirim four road junction,” he told The Goan.
The cop asked him for his licence, insurance, RTO papers and PUC, which were all in order. He was then asked to bring his car to the police station.
“I pleaded with the police to release my vehicle so that I could participate in the carnival parade, but all my appeals fell on deaf ears,” a disappointed Terence said.
PSI Laxman Chari refused to take calls while Mapusa Traffic PI, Roy Pereira’s phone came switched off.
