CANACONA
Khotigao Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal has filed a police complaint against sitting panch and former sarpanch of Khotigao, Anandu Desai, alleging that he posted defamatory and irresponsible content on social media regarding the functioning of the mandal.
According to the complaint, Desai questioned the integrity of the mandal and alleged fraud in its donation coupon drive through posts shared on social media on Sunday. The posts reportedly prompted several villagers and mandal members to seek clarification from office-bearers.
On Monday, the mandal's president Nitesh Mainath, secretary Suresh Gaonkar and treasurer Anil Bandekar submitted a complaint at the Canacona Police Station, alleging that the posts had tarnished the organisation's reputation.
A former president of the mandal claimed that the allegations were baseless and motivated by jealousy. "The social media posts are defamatory and intended to damage the image of the mandal," he said.
Mandal member Krishna said Desai had accused not only the present committee but also previous committees, which have managed the Ganesh festival for nearly 30 years, of corruption and financial misconduct.
He explained that the mandal raises around Rs 10 lakh annually through donation coupons, of which nearly Rs 6 lakh is spent on prizes. The remaining funds are utilised for essential festival expenses, while any surplus is reserved for community welfare activities. As Khotigao receives few visitors, village youths working elsewhere in Goa assist in selling the coupons and, at times, even contribute their own resources to meet unforeseen expenses. According to the mandal, the annual surplus is usually around Rs 1 lakh.
The mandal has urged the police to take appropriate legal action, stating that the posts circulated in WhatsApp groups and on Desai's WhatsApp Status were irresponsible and should be dealt with in accordance with the law.
