PANAJI
An altercation between alleged goons and an official from the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) at Goa Niwas in Delhi has exposed alleged security flaws in the government-owned guest house. The incident incidentally occurred ahead of the scheduled visit of Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, which was subsequently cancelled. Interestingly, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was also in Delhi and accommodated in Goa Sadan.
Ankit Rawat, who works at the GTDC office at Goa Niwas, has accused some men including official/s of a company hired for housekeeping and security services, of indulging in unruly behaviour and assaulting him. Speaking to The Goan from Delhi, Rawat revealed that several staff members, employed by the concerned company lack qualifications for their respective roles, and frequently get involved in fights, which has tarnished the institution’s reputation.
Rawat was allegedly assaulted by a group of men, some of whom have ties to the service-providing firm, for acting as a whistle-blower to a bunch of alleged illegalities happening in Goa Niwas.
“Despite repeatedly informing my superiors (at Goa Niwas and Goa Sadan) about it, no action has been taken. I was attacked on the premises of Goa Niwas after which I had to approach the police for help. I have also filed a written complaint with Chanakyapuri Police Station,” he claimed.
The official is also in possession of the CCTV footage of the assault. The GTDC, he claimed, has been informed of the situation. A copy of the complaint and the CCTV footage are in possession of The Goan as well.
Rawat expressed his fear that a false complaint might be filed against him, as he hasn’t received any response to his grievances. He alleged that although the Deputy Resident Commissioner assured him that the concerned company’s contract would be terminated and appropriate measures taken, no progress has been made. “I am facing mental harassment,” he said.
"We had sought a written complaint from the concerned person to be submitted to the Commissioner, which is still awaited. Nevertheless, we are initiating action on the issue," an official of Goa Niwas told The Goan.
The Goan tried reaching out to DRC Vikas Kamble for a comment on the incident, but he was unavailable.
