MARGAO
Members of the Scheduled Tribes have demanded justice for the families of Dilip Velip and Sandesh Gaonkar, two ST youth who died in a road accident involving an inter-state bus. They refused to accept the Rs 50,000 compensation offered by the transport company.
Sports Minister and ST leader Govind Gaude visited the Cuncolim police station on Monday morning along with ST community members after hearing that the company’s manager would be meeting the families and local residents of Paddi.
When the manager offered cheques of Rs 50,000 to each family, both the Minister and the residents strongly objected, questioning how such a small amount could be considered fair for the loss of two young lives. The Minister said he had come to support the people’s demand for justice and was shocked to see such a low compensation being offered. He added that no specific amount had been demanded by the families or residents, but the amount offered was unacceptable.
Former Deputy Chief Minister Chandrakant Kavlekar, who accompanied the Minister, said he would fully support any steps taken by the locals.
Activists Rama Kankonkar and Fidol Fernandes called the compensation “a slap on the face of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant” and said it showed how outside companies treated Goans and the state government. Rama warned that people would take their own action if justice was not served.
Quepem MLA Alton D’Costa also visited the police station and said he would stand with the people of Paddi in their fight for justice.
