VASCO
Tensions flared in Cansaulim on Sunday after villagers accused officials of South Western Railway (SWR) and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) of forcefully entering private properties with heavy earth-moving machinery to begin work on a proposed railway underpass near the Cansaulim Railway Station.
Affected landowners described the sudden deployment of machinery as criminal trespass, allegedly carried out in collaboration with a real-estate lobby looking to gain access to Prial and Buttem wards. Residents said the work was initiated without any land acquisition proceedings, consultation, or notification to those whose properties were directly affected.
Tempers escalated when villagers gathered at the site to protest what they described as blatant encroachment on land belonging to Maria Celina D’Souza Antao in Survey Nos. 2/6 and 2/8. According to those present, despite clear objections raised on the spot, RVNL personnel continued excavation work.
Villagers alleged that Cortalim MLA Anthony Vas was present and oversaw the ongoing activity instead of addressing the concerns of his constituents.
As word spread across the village, a number of political leaders reached the site in response to frantic calls from residents including GPCC president Amit Patkar, South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes, Fatorda MLA and Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai and several others.
Their involvement brought the legality of the railway work into sharper political and public focus.
Villagers expressed anger that while leaders from neighbouring constituencies rushed to support them, their own MLA allegedly did not respond to repeated appeals.
Tensions peaked when, in the presence of the joint magistrate, the South Goa MP and the Fatorda MLA, RVNL official Sahoo allegedly told the aggrieved landowner, “Do what you want to do.” Villagers said the remark reflected a dismissive and confrontational attitude at a time when their constitutional rights were being violated.
Joint Mamlatdar Jennifer was deputed to the location, but according to those on the ground, she did not intervene and referred the matter to the deputy collector of Mormugao instead. Residents said this lack of immediate administrative action further inflamed the situation and raised questions about accountability.
Under sustained pressure from villagers and political leaders, part of the heavy machinery deployed for the underpass work was eventually demobilised. This partial removal helped calm tempers, but villagers insisted that the action was insufficient. They demanded that all machinery be immediately removed from the affected properties to prevent any further attempts at trespass.
Residents also demanded legal action against SWR and RVNL officials involved in the incident, including Sahoo, alleging wilful trespass and misuse of official machinery. They called for the machinery that entered private property to be impounded and for authorities to hold those responsible accountable for violating lawful procedures.
Villagers warned that any further disregard for due process could trigger larger unrest in Cansaulim. They stressed that they would not permit any attempt to forcefully acquire land or initiate construction without transparency, documentation, and full consent of the affected community.
Residents emphasised that they were not opposed to development or infrastructure improvements, but they insisted that all such projects must follow lawful procedures and be carried out with honesty, clarity, and open communication.
