Was Mapusa matka raid to suppress a political opponent’s voice?

MAPUSA

At first glance, the dramatic late Tuesday night police raid on one of the makta agent’s office in Mapusa appears routine, but there’s more to it than meets the eye.

The raid assumes significance as this was the third raid on the office of the matka agent, Dominic Alphonso, in as many months.

Dominic Alphonso who is projecting himself as a social worker is fast turning popular in Mapusa as someone who harbours political ambition.

The sudden raid on Tuesday has raised hackles among the supporters of Alphonso who on more than one occasion has made his intention clear to contest the forthcoming assembly elections in Mapusa.

Sources said Alphonso’s eagerness to contest the polls has not got down with the local MLA and Deputy Chief Minister, Francis D’Souza.

A diminutive figure, Dominic Alphonso carries an image of a self-styled Robin Hood, who has been sponsoring events and donating cash to various sports clubs and cultural organizations in town.

Sources disclosed that recently he donated cash to around 11 Dahi Handi contests in and around Mapusa.

It is also learnt that he has not disappointed several youth of various sports clubs who approach him for donations.

Alphonso admitted a political angle to the raids on his office. He also told The Goan that he is going to contest the ensuing assembly elections come what may.

“Now, I will definitely contest the assembly elections in Mapusa. I want to see who is going to stop me,” a rather angry Alphonso retorted.

Deputy Chief Minister, Francis D’Souza has washed his hands off from the raid against matka agents in Mapusa.

“Do you want me to encourage matka dens in Mapusa? Police are doing their job. I don’t interfere in their functioning. They are conducting raids on different matka agents,” D’Souza said.

The deputy chief minister also denied his role in trying to throttle any of his political opponents in Mapusa.

“I am not against him (Dominic Alphonso). If he contests it will be very good. I have always accepted challenges,” the deputy chief minister said.

Tuesday’s raid was the second one by Mapusa Police on Alphonso’s office. Earlier, the crime branch had also raided his office around three months back.

For the record, Mapusa PI Tushar Lotlikar said more such raids will take place in coming days.