the goan I network
MAPUSA
There was a hush at the residence of the Mapusa MLA at around 6 pm, even as police officials were seen barricading the area and making preparations to receive the body of the departed leader.
Slowly, people began to pour in and by 8.30 pm, the number swelled as neighbours, friends and well-wishers rushed to the residence of the former deputy chief minister.
A large group of women were seen tucked in one corner of the garden at the sprawling D’Souza’s bungalow at Dattawadi, Mapusa.
Several councilors of the Mapusa Municipal Council and Mapusa BJP Mandal members were also present to receive the body.
As soon as the body arrived, a large group of well-wishers rushed in to take a glimpse of their leader even as police tried to control the crowd.
Power Minister Nilesh Cabral and former CM Laxmikant Parsekar were present and condoled the family.
“Before joining BJP, I first met Babush and only after talking to him and feeling assured, I took my decision to join BJP,” Cabral told the media after paying respects to the departed soul.
Rupesh Kamat, CM’s personal assistant also paid respects to the leader.
Mapusa Municipal Council Chairperson Ryan Braganza, former chairpersons, Sudhir Kandolkar, Sandip Falari, Rohan Kavlekar, Rupa Bhakta and councilors, Tushar Tople, Franky Carvalho, Rajsingh Rane, Swapnil Shirodkar etc also paid their respects.
Mapusa Police and traffic police had made elaborate arrangement to maintain order at the premises.
Family sources informed that the funeral service will take place on Saturday at around 3.30 pm at St Jerome’s Church, Mapusa.
