PANAJI
The Agarwadekar family's dramatic twist into their house demolition has not deterred the State government from proceeding with the investigation.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has made it unequivocally clear that the government will not compromise, even as the victim family, which was extended full support during their crisis, seems to have backed down.
“I don’t care what she (Agarwadekar member) wants to do with the case. It is her issue… If she doesn’t want a house (demolished house to be rebuilt by the government), that’s fine with us, but the procedure we have started will continue. Action will be taken against the guilty,” Sawant said while speaking to the media on the sidelines of the MSME Day function on Thursday.
Sawant, visibly upset with the development, stated that the government will not be swayed by persons who retract their statements. “We are not here to dance to the tunes of people. I will not withdraw the case… The government will not compromise on the case. All the culprits will be jailed… The investigation will continue, as will the inquiry led by the Chief Secretary. Strictest and 100 per cent action will be taken against the guilty,” he maintained.
While he refrained from naming the victim, the CM further reiterated that “people may compromise for various reasons, but not the government.”
Separate police and crime branch teams are already in Mumbai and Belgavi to arrest the main accused Pooja Sharma and bouncers, who were deployed at the Assagao site during the demolition last week.
When seeking clarity about the government’s plan to rebuild the house, the CM retorted, “Hasn’t she said no?” indicating the government might reconsider its decision.
Meanwhile, activists expressed utter disappointment over the Agarwadekar family's reversal on the issue, stating it might lead to a dangerous precedent in the future.
"This sets a wrong example. Such compromise over serious incidents, particularly when the entire State supported the cause, could discourage activists. Genuine issues might be underestimated,” Xencor Polgi lamented.
Rama Kankonkar added that such a U-turn will boost builders' confidence to break homes and then resort to compensation. “Stop using activists as negotiation tools. We risk our lives to support Goa and its people," he appealed.
