VASCO
What began as a peaceful protest against the railway double-tracking project at Velsao on Monday took an ugly turn after local residents, leaders, politicians and activists gathered at the site and later allegedly used a JCB to remove materials placed by the Railways, which were reportedly blocking access to around 20 houses located adjacent to the railway tracks.
The protest witnessed a large gathering of residents and political leaders, with the situation gradually turning tense as protesters demanded that the railway authorities immediately clear the access to the houses. The presence of heavy machinery and the removal of railway material further escalated the situation, prompting a strong police deployment at the site to prevent any untoward incident and maintain law and order.
Among those present at the protest were Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, former GPCC president Amit Patkar, former MLA Alina Saldanha, former Goa Pradesh Congress Youth President Mahesh Nadar and Cortalim Congress leader Olencio Simoes, along with several local residents and activists.
The protest initially proceeded peacefully, with leaders and residents addressing the gathering and raising objections over the manner in which railway-related material had allegedly been placed, restricting access to the houses. However, the situation reportedly became increasingly aggressive and difficult to control as the protest progressed. Revenue officials also reached the spot as the situation developed. The Talathi, Mamlatdar and Deputy Collector were present at the site and attempted to monitor the situation. Several police personnel from different police stations were also deployed in the area.
The police bandobast was led by Mormugao DySP Gurudas Kadam, with officers and personnel maintaining a close watch on the protesters and the developments at the site. Authorities remained stationed at the location as the crowd continued to gather. Sources said the situation eventually required police intervention following the use of the JCB to remove the material. The driver and cleaner of the JCB were reportedly detained by police and subsequently handed over to personnel of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) for further action.
Sources further indicated that the RPF was likely to register an offence against persons allegedly involved in the incident, though the exact sections and names of those to be booked were not immediately clear. The incident has once again brought the simmering opposition to the railway double-tracking project in Velsao into sharp focus. Residents have repeatedly raised concerns over access, land and the impact of railway works on houses and properties situated close to the existing railway alignment. With the protest turning confrontational on Monday, the presence of senior revenue officials and a sizeable police force highlighted the seriousness of the situation. Authorities remained at the site to ensure that the situation did not deteriorate further and that no untoward incident occurred.
Further action is expected from the RPF following the handover of the JCB personnel and assessment of the events that unfolded during the protest.
