Maina-Curtorim Police Sub-Inspector, Veronica separating Nuvem Sarpanch Freda D’Sa and activist Fidol Pereira during an inspection of a housing project at Kirbhat. Supporters of Fidol rushed to the Maina-Curtorim police station after she was detained under preventive detention.
MARGAO
Nuvem witnessed uproar on Tuesday after an inspection of a proposed housing project site by the Nuvem panchayat ended in a clash between Nuvem Sarpanch Freda D’Sa and social activist Fidol Pereira, with both sides accusing each other of pushing and assault.
The matter reached the Maina-Curtorim police station in the evening after Fidol was called at the police station. The local residents, who had invited Fidol to take up cudgels for them against the housing project, also gathered at the police station in solidarity. A group of activists also rushed to the police station in support of Fidol.
The Nuvem panchayat had fixed an inspection on Monday, which was later rescheduled to Tuesday, to inspect the project site as the proponent has proposed to build around eight flats on a plot admeasuring 400 square metres with 100 FAR.
Vehemently opposing the project, local residents living in individual houses near the proposed site claimed that the 100 FAR housing project would worsen the water situation, as they are already facing an acute water shortage. They wondered how the 400 square metres plot has been granted 100 FAR when Nuvem has fixed 60 FAR for the village.
Trouble started on Tuesday when the sarpanch along with the panchayat secretary came for inspection and checked the parameters, including the road width. The sarpanch claimed that when she was dictating the details of the inspection, someone, claiming to be a member of the Fourth Estate, tried to record the proceedings, which she objected.
Freda and Fidol came face to face following arguments between the duo. While the sarpanch claimed that Fidol came close to her with finger pointing at her nose, prompting her and others to push her back, the activist claimed the sarpanch used abusive language against her.
The Maina-Curtorim police later called Fidol to the police station and was detained under preventive detention. She was later released on bail.
Meanwhile, Maina-Curtorim police station in-charge, PI Arun Desai informed that the police have registered a FIR against activist Fidol Pereira based on a complaint lodged by the Nuvem Sarpanch Freda D’Sa.
