Panaji: Thirty-six illegal shops at Karaswada junction were demolished by the Mapusa Municipal Council today, over 20 years of their existence at the very site.
Shopkeepers alleged these shops were rented out by Vice-Chairperson (MMC) Sushant Harmalkar and demanded financial assistance from the government.
"I along with other shopkeepers occupied the space for over 20 years with Harmalkar’s support. We were issued multiple notices were issued in the past. The final notice was served 14 days ago, asking to vacate by October 17," Shopkeeper Zikhriya Khan said.
Many shop owners, including Khan, argued that the demolition left them in financial distress.
They appealed to the government for financial assistance, citing that the shops were their sole source of income for more than two decades.
Harmalkar refuted allegations claiming the shops were not illegally leased and had valid operating licenses. He stated that the demolition was solely due to the road widening and not because of any unlawful activities.
