MAPUSA
The Assagao panchayat is set to review the inspection report of a controversial, partly demolished house in their fortnightly meeting on July 15, according to Sarpanch Hanumant Naik.
The inspection, conducted on Monday, involved a detailed examination of the property in question, following a written complaint by a group of local citizens.
The inspection team comprised Assagao Sarpanch Hanumant Naik, Block Development Office (BDO) official Krishna Gadekar, and the panchayat secretary.
The house, occupied by Pradeep Agarwadekar and Prishna Agarwadekar, was inspected for irregularities amid allegations of illegal demolition. The inhabitants of the house were present during the inspection.
"The technical officer from the BDO conducted a thorough inspection and has prepared a detailed panchanama," Naik stated.
The inspection was necessitated after a complaint was lodged by local citizens, who alleged that the house was illegally demolished by Pooja Sharma.
They further requested that the panchayat refrain from issuing a repair license to Pradeep Agarwadekar and his wife.
The controversy began when a group of civil citizens submitted a written complaint, asserting that the house had been illegally demolished.
They urged the panchayat not to grant any repair licenses to the Agarwadekars. In response, the panchayat decided to conduct a joint inspection.
The Agarwadekars claimed that their house was unlawfully demolished and that their electricity connection was also disconnected without due process.
"The panchayat secretary will prepare the inspection report, which will then be presented at the panchayat body meeting for further discussion and decision on the future course of action," Naik added.
One of the complainants, Krishna Pandit present at the inspection, emphasised the importance of verifying the facts and ownership documents of the house before taking any further steps.
"We will wait for the report of the panchayat to verify the facts and documents on the ownership of the house and accordingly take further action," Pandit said.
Pandit criticised the use of bouncers and aggressive actions during the demolition, advocating for legal resolution of such disputes.
"This practice of bringing bouncers and taking action is not right. There are courts in our country. If there are any differences, let the courts decide," he stated.
The panchayat's upcoming meeting on July 15 will be crucial in determining the next steps in this case. The inspection report prepared by the panchayat secretary will be reviewed, and the panchayat body will discuss and decide on the appropriate course of action.
The outcome of this meeting is highly anticipated by both the complainants and the Agarwadekars, as it will set a precedent for handling similar disputes in the future.
