PANAJI
In a twist that raises more questions than answers, the government reinstated its tainted officer Rahul Desai, suspended nearly two years ago for allegedly facilitating land grabs during his tenure as the Bardez Mamlatdar.
Desai, who was arrested on September 30, 2022, and released on conditional bail just three days later on October 3, found his suspension revoked on July 3, 2024 merely days before the ongoing assembly session.
The order also comes despite wait for a charge sheet, which is delayed due to delayed submission of documents from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) (Land Grab).
“His suspension has been revoked. Disciplinary proceeding for major penalty under Rule 14 of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 has been approved against Rahul Dessai, the then Joint Mamlatdar “ II, Mormugao by the Disciplinary Authority. Through a letter dated December 5, 2023, the Directorate of Vigilance requested the Superintendent of Police (Crime), SIT (Land Grabbing), Ribandar, to furnish the original/certified copies of documents relied on in the status report submitted to issue chargesheet to Dessai," CM Pramod Sawant said, replying to MLA Nilesh Cabral in an unstarred question.
Despite three reminders on January 9, 2024; March 5, and June 7, the documents are still pending and the reason for the delay is unexplained.
Desai is one of six government officers and officials against whom the SIT registered FIRs in connection with the land grab.
Meanwhile, the CM has assured the House that the government will table report of the one-man panel that investigated the land grab, in the upcoming assembly session.
The panel, led by V K Jadhav and constituted on August 30, 2022, submitted its report with recommendations on November 1, 2023. The cabinet accepted recommendations. The Commission dealt with 44 FIRs registered by the SIT, involving 93 land parcels and properties measuring 1.5 lakh square metres.
As per the latest data, a total of 48 FIRs are registered for Land Grabbing, out of which 22 FIRs are registered by SIT and 26 FIRs are registered at various other Police Stations in the State. Only four chargesheets have been filed in the Court from May 1 till date.
