Following a series of meetings and agitations against the proposed IIT project at Cotarli village in Sanguem, farmers have been confined to stay indoors fearing arrests by the police after prohibitory issued by the Collector imposing Section 144 in the area.
Immediately after the order passed by the Collector, authorities installed a signboard stating, “This property at Survey 21/1 of village Cotarli in Sanguem taluka belongs to the government of Goa. Trespassers will be prosecuted.”
A large police force was station at various entry points to the proposed IIT site, making sure that no agitators could enter into the property.
Sources informed that while the police stayed on guard outside, survey operations were conducted smoothly from within, behind the Civil Court at Sanguem.
Meanwhile in another development, Sanguem Police Inspector Vinayak N Patil was transferred with immediate effect and was replaced by Pravin P Gawas, who was attached to the SB Ponda.
The transfer was reportedly initiated after those favouring IIT were allegedly unhappy with PI Patil’s handling of the agitators.
