Sanguem legislator Subhash Phal Desai claimed that allegations levelled against him in the alleged assault of a mining activist inside Sada jail are aimed at defaming him so as to malign his political image.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Phal Desai said he was a mining transport contractor for the period between 2007 to 2011.
“From the year 2012 onwards, I have not indulged in any mining transaction, and exited this business. 20 trucks belonging to me are now lying idle. While two are being driven by drivers, 18 are stationed at my residence,” he informed.
Describing the sequence of events about the agitation at Cavrem prior to the arrest of the mining activist, Phal Dessai said the accused was sent to judicial custody by the judiciary where he (the activist) claimed to be assaulted.
“There are reports suspecting me to be behind the alleged attack. The reports also claim that I will be one of the accused in the alleged attack,” Phal Desai added, while questioning further: “Am I so influential so as to allegedly influence the judiciary? Am I so influential to have purportedly managed the alleged incident?”
Stating that such allegations are levied to defame him and malign his political image, Phal Desai recalled another such incident of alleged assault during the time of elections earlier.
“Now again, this alleged incident of assault has been reported when elections are round the corner,” he stated, while claiming that some people can't defeat him at the hustings purely on merit. “Sanguem constituency has witnessed all-round development during my tenure as MLA. So, some people who cannot tolerate my success are creating obstacles,” he remarked, while terming this recent development as a conspiracy to malign his image.
The Sanguem legislator said he condemns that alleged attack if it has occurred as stated.
“If Velip has been attacked as alleged, then those responsible must be taken to task. I support the demand of a judicial inquiry,” he added, while stating that if any reference is made to him in connection with the alleged attack, and the same is established, then he will tender his resignation with immediate effect.
He also charged a section of the print media () for writing quarter page news items against him in connection with the proposed Ambdai brewery without carrying his side of the story. Stating that he will not tolerate such “defamation”, Phal Desai informed that he is seeking legal advice in this matter. “How can they carry such matters without taking my reaction?” he questioned.
The Sanguem MLA also said he would also support any inquiry into the allegation about the alleged charge that the quantity of ore lying at the mine in question is more than that quantified. “If the demand is for physical verification, I will also support it,” he remarked, while stating that there needs to be some evidence in support of this demand.
