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THE GOAN NETWORK
OLD GOA: A large group of villagers from Mandur accompanied by activists from different parts of Goa and members of AAP gheraoed the Agassaim police officials over what they claimed was a false complaint against activist Rama Kankonkar and 30 others.
The gherao comes in the light of molestation, rioting, unlawful assembly and other charges levelled by Prachi Chopdekar, supervisor of a project at Mandur, which is reportedly owned by the brother of a minister.
Later, the villagers submitted a memorandum to the police stating the chronology of the incident which occurred when the villagers had gone to inspect the floating project in the presence of Agassaim police.
The villagers informed the media that the supervisor Chopdekar has filed a false complaint against Rama Kankonkar and 30 others that she was molested.
“The Agassaim police was there, the priest was there, the security guards were there and there was no attempt made by Rama Kankonkar to molest Prachi,” informed panch Pauline Po, adding “It was unfortunate that a woman was using such tricks to harass the villagers who are opposing the floating cottages project."
Pauline, who was among the five members allowed to inspect the project, said that the nature of the project is huge and not as informed to them by the panchayat authorities.
AAP member Pradip Padgaonkar has condemned the new trend emerging in Goa, at the behest of the politicians, wherein charges are made against them of crime against women.
“This is only an attempt to silence the voice of the protestors and activists who are highlighting the illegalities of the politicians,” Padgaonkar stated and issued a stern warning to these politicians not to play with the people who, if provoked unnecessarily, will teach them a befitting lesson.
Activist Arturo D'Souza informed that the police refused to divulge the names of 30 other persons who are named in the complaint, as it was necessary so that adequate legal protection could be provided to them.
“The Agassaim PI however assured us that nobody would be arrested till tomorrow i.e. Friday as the anticipatory bail plea will be heard,” D'Souza stated while adding that the villagers also filed a complaint countering the claims of Prachi Chopdekar and a video of Sunday’s incident will also be shared with the police.
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