PANAJI
Congress on Sunday condemned the alleged arrest of two Karapur-Sarvan protesters, terming the action “unlawful” and demanding a transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding their detention.
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar alleged that some protesters were forcibly taken into custody by Mumbai Police and subsequently shown as arrested at Dodamarg in Maharashtra. He questioned whether the procedure was adopted to circumvent legal safeguards governing transit arrests.
“The circumstances demand an immediate and transparent investigation,” Chodankar said, while seeking answers from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on whether the Goa government and police were aware of the operation.
The Congress leader said the Karapur-Sarvan agitation was nearing 150 days and alleged that instead of addressing the concerns of citizens fighting over their land, attempts were being made to intimidate protesters and discourage public solidarity.
Chodankar said the extortion allegations against the protesters should be tested fairly through due process, but warned that such allegations could not be used to brand protesters guilty or suppress democratic dissent.
“We strongly condemn any high-handed or unlawful action by law-enforcement authorities carried out to serve the interests of powerful builders,” he said.
“Standing up for Goa is not a crime. Peaceful protest is a democratic right,” Chodankar added.
