Socorro Sarpanch Soniya Pednekar addressing media persons in the presence of other panchas.
Photo Credits: Anil Shankhwalker
PORVORIM
Insisting that the Socorro panchayat had acted strictly in accordance with law in connection with the planned demolition of the house of Nilesh Chari, Socorro Sarpanch Soniya Pednekar claimed the allegations by Congress leaders against the panchayat were baseless and for political gains.
Addressing a news conference in Socorro, Pednekar sought to explain the procedures the panchayat had followed in the matter.
“A widow Shobhana Harmalkar had filed a complaint with the panchayat against Nilesh Chari's house on April 27. After conducting an investigation, the panchayat issued a show-cause notice to Chari on June 27 as to why his house should not be demolished,” said Pednekar.
“However, no satisfactory response was received from Nilesh Chari and hence, the demolition order was issued on August 8. Chari then appealed before the additional Panchayat Director who confirmed the validity and appropriateness of the order, emphasising the Panchayat's decision.”
Pednekar said the demolition order was issued by the Directorate of Panchayat on October 18 and Chari's lawyers had received the copy.
“Therefore, the Panchayat members visited the location on October 26 to carry out the demolition of the house. However, Congress workers created ruckus there, attempting to support the unauthorised construction,” said Pednekar.
Pednekar further mentioned that the actions of the Congress leaders were not new.
“Nilesh Chari, who had previously filed a complaint against Shobhana Harmalkar’s house, found himself facing a complaint as well. Consequently, the Panchayat has undertaken the orders of the directorate of panchayat to demolish the house of Nilesh Chari,” said Pednekar.
Porvorim BJP Mandal President Kishor Asnodkar said the demolition squad had gone there as per the Panchayati Raj Act.
“Most importantly, all legal documents and procedures were followed by the squad. When Nilesh Chari complained against Shobhana Harmalakr, why did one from the Congress party go to help her,” questioned Asnodkar.
Dy Sarpanch Maya Keni, Panch Rajan Parsekar, Gauri Valvaikar, Sunny Shetgaonkar, Sarvesh Halankar and Ashley Lobo were also present at the news conference.
