BICHOLIM
Tension prevailed for several hours at the Bicholim police station on Thursday night after social activist Swapnesh Sherlekar was summoned for questioning by the police in connection with the HoABL project issue at Carapur-Sarvan.
As news of the notice spread, social activists and leaders from various parts of the State rushed to the police station in support of Sherlekar.
Sherlekar had reportedly extended support to women and farmers in Carapur-Sarvan area regarding the HoABL project land issue.
Following a police complaint filed by panchayat member Tanvi Sawant, alleging that people were instigated against her, the Bicholim police issued a notice to Sherlekar and called him for questioning.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Shridevi B V and Police Inspector Vijay Rane recorded Sherlekar’s statement for several hours.
A large number of prominent leaders and activists gathered at the police station to extend their support. Among those present were South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes, GPCC President Amit Patkar, youth leader Adv Ajay Prabhu Gaonkar, Mahesh Mhambre, Santoshkumar Sawant, Shankar Polji, Rama Kankonkar, and Fr Bolmax Dias, along with several other social activists.
Police had deployed heavy security at the station to maintain order. The tense atmosphere gradually eased after Sherlekar was allowed to leave the police station later in the night.
However, he has been instructed to appear again at the Bicholim police station on Friday for further inquiry.
The controversy centres around land allegedly sold for the HoABL project without adequately informing local tenant farmers (kul farmers) of Carapur-Sarvan.
The farmers had first visited the project site and later approached the residence of Panch member Tanvi Sawant to express their concerns. An argument reportedly took place between the two sides. Subsequently, Sawant filed a complaint at the Bicholim police station, alleging that people were provoked against her.
Addressing the gathering, MP Viriato Fernandes stated that the struggle is between those trying to save land and those involved in selling it, urging elected representatives to “wake up” and stop acting as brokers.
GPCC President Amit Patkar criticised the government, alleging increasing authoritarianism and claiming that social activists are being targeted through complaints and legal actions.
