PERNEM
High drama unfolded on the fourth day of the demolition drive at Tembwada, near Morjim beach, after a house owner allegedly attempted to take his own life twice while authorities were demolishing his house on Thursday.
According to officials, the incident occurred when the demolition team began pulling down the residence of Rajan Halarnkar, which was allegedly constructed in violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules.
Halarnkar allegedly made the first attempt in the morning, but police personnel present at the site intervened and prevented it. A police team had been deployed to ensure that no untoward incident took place during the demolition.
Later in the evening, Halarnkar reportedly made another attempt and was shifted to a hospital for medical treatment. Meanwhile, his father Ratnakar fell ill during the demolition drive. A 108 ambulance reached the spot and examined him. As his condition was found to be stable, he was not taken to hospital.
Locals said Halarnkar’s ancestral house had existed at the site for several years and that he had constructed a new house in the same area, where he lived with his differently abled son. Relatives said Halarnkar, who works in the Forest Department, had been under severe stress after learning that his house would be demolished.
His family members made an emotional appeal to the government to intervene and save their ancestral homes. “Our house is being demolished. Rajan attempted suicide, but the police saved him. If something happens tomorrow, who will be responsible? The government should intervene immediately and save our ancestral homes,” said a relative.
The demolition drive began on July 20 following a High Court order directing the removal of 23 structures allegedly built in violation of CRZ norms in the Tembwada area near Morjim beach.
The operation is being carried out in the presence of officials from the Revenue Department, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), Pernem Mamlatdar’s office, Public Works Department (PWD), Electricity Department and other agencies. Police personnel have been deployed at the site to maintain law and order throughout the demolition process.
