BICHOLIM
An ongoing rift between Sankhali Municipality Chairperson Rajesh Sawal and Chief Officer Kabir Shirgaonkar on Friday took an ugly turn when they clashed over the fixing of BJP banners in the town.
While Sawal alleged that the chief officer had manhandled him, Shirgaonkar accused Sawal of abusing him. Both have filed counter police complaints against each other at the Bicholim police station.
The dispute arose over the banners of BJP's North Goa district executive meeting which were put up in different parts of Sankhali town as well as at the meeting place in the municipal premises.
Sawal called Shirgaonkar to his cabin and sought to know who had put up the banners as they had to take permission and be charged a fee. Two other municipal workers were reportedly present at that time.
When Shirgaonkar replied that he would conduct a survey of those banners, Sawal reportedly shot back by saying that officers should act responsibly and not act like party workers. Sawal also pointed out that the municipal council should not be deprived of revenue.
This then led to an argument between the chairperson and the chief officer.
Sawal alleged that the chief officer became aggressive and pushed him, while Shirgaonkar claimed that Sawal had abused him. Both later filed police complaints against each other.
Bicholim police are investigating the matter.
Differences between Sawal and Shirgaonkar had come to the fore last month when Sawal criticised the chief officer for denying permission FOR the ‘Save Mhadei’ rally in Sakhali.
