MARGAO
A major fire engulfed the waste dumping site of Benaulim panchayat late Sunday evening with Sarpanch Remy Fernandes suspecting foul play and disclosing plans to approach the police for a detailed inquiry.
It is learnt that the fire destroyed the baled dry waste lying with the panchayat since the last fortnight. It could not be ascertained by the local body whether the baling machine located adjacent to the dump has also been damaged in the incident.
Before the fire brigade could arrive at the spot, tons of waste was reduced to ashes. The fire, however, did not spread to the adjoining panchayat building.
Sarpanch Remy Fernandes said he suspects mischief behind the fire, adding that the Colva police will be told to probe into the incident. “The baled waste is lifted away from the dump near the panchayat ghar every fortnight. I cannot say for the moment whether the baling machine is damaged or not,” he said.
Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva while replying to questions said, “No one knows for the moment how the fire started. It appears to be mischief.”
