Probe illegal use of khazan land in Cavelossim: Lokayukta

In his order passed in the complaint filed by Oswald Fernandes, Justice Misra has directed the ACB to inquire into the matter through a senior police officer not below the rank of DySP.

“The allegations relating to illegal allotment of house numbers and the matter relating to the panchayat turning a blind eye relating to illegal use of khazan land and alleged paddy fields are serious and require deeper attention. Even the notice issued by the Deputy Town Planner indicated about certain violations,” Justice Misra said in his order.

“Without expressing any opinion on all these matters, this institution thinks it appropriate to issue directions to the ACB to inquire into the matter through a senior police officer, not below the rank of DySP, and to initiate appropriate action if necessary depending upon the inquiry. All pending matters should be disposed of expeditiously,” the Lokayukta ordered.

Complainant Oswald, a resident of Curtorim, had filed a complaint before the Goa Lokayukta under section 11 of the Goa Lokayukta Act against the Cavelossim Sarpanch, Secretary and three other respondents, alleging that there was a khazan and salt pan in Cavelossim village, which was purchased by Cruz Cardozo in his wife’s name.

The complaint had stated that the panchayat had allotted the house numbers and had initiated no action in the erection of structure in low-lying paddy field.

When contacted, Cavelossim Sarpanch Dennis Dias said the matter in question pertains to 2014. He said the panchayat had taken up the complaint in January 2020 and had revoked the NOC, adding further that a show-cause notice was issued to take further action as per the Panchayat Raj Act.

Saying that the alleged violator’s reply was placed before the body meeting, he said the VP has issued the final notice to dismantle/demolish and clear the land.