Residents demand transfer, question govt’s move
Women from Colva opposing the return of PI Vikram Naik at the Colva police station on Thursday.
MARGAO
Colva village is once again witnessing unrest after the government reinstated PI Vikram Naik as in-charge of the Colva Police Station on Thursday, just over a month after he was transferred out following strong protests by villagers.
Naik resumed charge on Thursday morning. He had earlier been shifted on February 11 after hundreds of villagers stormed the police station, objecting to his decision to lead a police team to the Colva Church.
By evening, tensions escalated as villagers gathered near St Anthony Chapel, sending a clear message to the government: either transfer the officer or face intensified agitation.
The protesters also demanded that Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas clarify how Naik was reposted to Colva and urged him to support the villagers in their demand for the officer’s transfer.
A large number of women participated in the protest, firmly stating that they would not allow PI Naik to continue at the Colva Police Station. Questioning the government’s decision, they asked why authorities were insistent on posting the same officer in Colva when there are many capable and honest officers in the police department.
Addressing the gathering, Mycia Rodrigues said the villagers had already agitated to secure Naik’s transfer and urged MLA Venzy Viegas to stand with the people if he opposed the officer’s return.
Another resident, Jessy, appealed to the MLA to explain the circumstances under which Naik was reinstated. “We have every right to question our MLA since we elected him,” she said.
Remezia D’Souza stated that the villagers do not want an officer who had entered the church premises with police personnel. “The Chief Minister should stand by the villagers, not by outside builders,” she added.
