MARGAO
Residents of Benaulim on Saturday descended on the Colva police station after three persons were called to the police station for an inquiry over an incident wherein the locals had questioned a builder for alleged irregularities.
While the police had called the three persons to the police station at 11 am, a large number of villagers from Benaulim assembled outside the police station to express their solidarity with the locals.
Former Benaulim MLA Mickky Pacheco also made his presence felt at the police station as he took up the cudgels for the residents.
Cuncolim-based activist Santan Afonso, who had taken up the issue of the residents, was also present for discussions with the builder, who was also called to the police station by PI Anand Shirodkar.
Afonso told the media after the meeting that the residents had put up their case that the building in no way affects the locals. He said the police has told the builder not to get a fleet of vehicles onto the site, but to ensure that only one vehicle comes to the property at a time.
He further said the builder has agreed not to cause any traffic congestion on the narrow road when the locals assemble near the local Chapel for worship.
Mickky told the media that the builder has virtually accepted the demand of the local residents concerning the Chapel, saying that he would stand by the people of Benaulim if the builder goes back on his promise. “During discussions, the builder has agreed to the request made by the residents in respect of the Chapel and other matters. I will stand by the people of Benaulim if the promises are not honoured”, he warned.
