the goan I network
PANAJI
When the matter came up before the GHRC, Adv Satish Sonak, who represented the complainant, submitted that the interim compensation granted to the makadmare is inadequate.
Accordingly, GHRC comprising chairperson A D Salkar and member J A Keny has recommended to the South Goa Collector to move the government for payment of adequate and final compensation to the victims.
Adv Sonak also pointed out that the police are yet to file a chargesheet against the offenders. To this, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sunita Sawant responded that the investigation into the case is in progress and that the police will be in a position to file the chargesheet within three months. GHRC was satisfied with the response. However, the commission has recommended that the Ponda Police should expedite the investigation.
The state government, South Goa Collector and Ponda Police have been asked to submit an ‘action taken’ report within 90 days as per the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1973.
In October, 2016, citing ‘unacceptable social and cultural practices’, the village panchayat of Nirankal-Bethora had raised a voice in support of evicting the tribe from the village. The villagers had also destroyed the hutments and fragile residential structures and the solar panels used by the tribe in order to force them out.
Around 78 members of the tribe, including children and women, were identified earlier this year as having no identification documents and efforts were made to bring them under the National Food Security Act. It was learnt that their ancestors, who were a nomadic tribe, moved into the village around 25 to 30 years ago and settled there. GHRC had taken cognizance of Naik’s complaint in November 2016 while admitting that it is an appropriate case where interim relief should be given to the victims in the larger interest of justice.
