MARGAO
Pedda in Benaulim village witnessed an uproar on Monday evening when locals protested against dumping of mud in low-lying fields.
The issue threatened to turn into a law and order situation after local residents alleged that a resident of Fatorda, former Margao Municipal councillor Arthur D’Silva came on the site, armed with a pistol in his pocket. Colva police station in-charge, PI Theron Costa later clarified that the police verified the claim made by the residents and it was found that the pistol in question was a cigarette lighter.
Local residents protested over the dumping of mud in the low-lying fields. This was strongly objected by the local residents led by Rosario Fernandes, the husband of panchayat ward, Ezlinda. Sources said the local residents and those involved in the land filling came face to face over the issue.
The issue took a new turn when Arthur appeared on the scene. After the residents claimed that Arthur tried to reach out his hand in his pocket to remove a pistol, the Colva police was called in by the local residents. Arthur claimed that he was not carrying any pistol but a cigarette lighter, which was later confirmed by the Colva police.
Benaulim Sarpanch Xavier Pereira told the media that mud was dumped in the fields without any NOC from the farmers and sans any permission.
