MAPUSA
In a shocking incident that unfolded in the peaceful village of Assagao on Saturday afternoon, at least 10 bouncers, accompanied by earthmoving machinery, allegedly demolished the residence of a local Goan family in what appears to be an act of intimidation.
The incident has sparked outrage among the residents, especially as Anjuna police reportedly stood as silent spectators during the unlawful demolition.
The series of events began around 2.30 pm when a group of unknown individuals, including both men and women, arrived with a JCB earthmover at the property of Pradeep Agarwadekar in Bhairo Alto, Assagao.
Agarwadekar claimed that he and his family have resided at the location for the past 25 years.
Under the direction of the bouncers, the JCB operator began demolishing the house, despite protests from the family.
Witnesses report that no legal procedures were followed, and the Agarwadekar family had not been served any notice regarding the demolition.
The Anjuna police arrived at the scene after receiving information about the incident, eventually halting the demolition, but not before significant damage had been done to the house.
In a disturbing turn of events, Pradeep Agarwadekar and his son were allegedly abducted by the bouncers.
According to Agarwadekar, they were forcibly pushed into a car and driven around for several hours. Their mobile phones were switched off, leaving their family in distress.
The duo was finally released and dropped near Bobby Bar in Anjuna around 10 pm.
“We were taken in the car and moved from place to place for at least four to five hours. They did not allow us to contact our family members and finally dropped us at a spot in Anjuna,” a visible shaken Agarwadekar recounted.
Pooja Sharma, a non-Goan individual, has claimed ownership of the property, stating her name is registered on Form I and XIV.
She asserted that she purchased the land from the original owner and alleged that the Agarwadekar family was tenants who had been asked to vacate.
Despite Sharma's claims, questions have arisen regarding the legality of the methods used to remove the Agarwadekars.
Pradeep Agarwadekar acknowledged that while he paid for the house, he had not completed the sale deed.
The Anjuna Police's role in the incident has come under scrutiny, particularly as they did not immediately file a case of kidnapping against the bouncers.
The Agarwadekar family, shaken by the ordeal, is demanding justice and has called for a thorough investigation into the illegal demolition and abduction.
