the goan I network
VASCO
The body of former minister Dr Wilfred Mesquita (70), who expired after a brief illness while undergoing treatment at a Mumbai hospital on Monday night, arrived in the State on Tuesday afternoon.
The body arrived by a flight from Mumbai at around 1.30 pm and people from all walks of life, including leaders cutting across parties, visited the Mesquita residence at Chicalim to pay their last respects to the departed leader.
Sources close to the family said there will be a Mass celebrated at St Francis Xavier Church in Chicalim on Wednesday morning, after which the body will be taken to the Hindu Crematorium at Kharewado for cremation as per his last wishes.
Urban Development Minister Milind Naik arrived at Dr Mesquita’s house along with a hearse van carrying the body from the airport.
Besides Milind Naik, NCP MLA Churchill Alemao and former union law minister Ramakant Khalap were among the first to reach the house of Dr Mesquita after news of his death was confirmed on Monday night.
A large number of visitors, neighbours and well-wishers paid their last respects to the departed leader during the day and they included NCP State President Jose Philip D’Souza, former MMC chairperson Kritesh Gaonkar, former MP Narendra Sawaikar and industrialist Narayan Bandekar.
According to neighbours, late Dr Mesquita recently had a fall in the wash room and his health had deteriorated after that incident. He was undergoing treatment at P D Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai, when he breathed his last on Monday night.
Speaking to reporters, Urban Development Minister Milind Naik said the BJP had lost a tall leader who was vocal on issues and usually spoke straight from his heart.
“I have lost a friend who was like an elder brother to me. He always worked for the betterment of people and also stood by truth at all times. I pray that his soul rests in peace. With his loss, Goa has lost a tall leader who was extremely sincere and worked
