MARGAO
A group of public-spirited citizens led by former bureaucrat Elvis Gomes on Tuesday called for a vigilance probe into the alleged land grab of the property belonging to the Fabrica de Igreja de Cortalim.
Addressing the media along with Ramiro Mascarenhas and others, Elvis said he has taken up the issue for the simple reason that the government machinery has failed to mete out justice as per the rules in force. “I have not come here to take the side of the Church or the other opposite party. But, certainly when the government authorities have not been acting on the complaints goes to show there is a dereliction of duties by the officials. This is a serious issue and needs a detailed probe against the erring officials,” he said.
Saying the property owned by the Church has been allegedly usurped, Gomes said it is evident from the conduct of the officials right from the panchayat secretary to higher officials that they are not acting due to pressure from the government.
“I contend that why are the authorities not taking any action. If they feel the owner has no right over the property, let them say that. This would at least give the owner the ground to knock on doors of the Judiciary,” he said.
When questioned why the Church or any other body has not approached the court, Gomes said: “We are aware of our legal rights guaranteed by the Constitution. But, we would like to know why are the authorities silent.”
