MAPUSA
Calangute MLA and minister, Michael Lobo on Sunday said that he was not backing the Delhi bizman who was involved in the fight with the owner of Souza Lobo over some property matter.Lobo also said that suspended police inspector Nolasco Raposo failed to keep the law and order situation under control in the coastal belt.
“We will never back the Delhi businessman. If we had, then he would have set up a restaurant there. We have not issued him any permission. Neither the panchayat nor the PDA has given him permission,” Lobo said, when questioned that there was an impression that he was backing the Delhi businessman in the fight with the local businessman.
Earlier in the day, Jude Lobo, the owner of Souza Lobo restaurant in an interview with a news platform had said that Calangute MLA, Michael Lobo had offered to work an understanding with him and the Delhi businessman.
“I am not supporting anybody. I don’t want fights over there. The Delhi owner owns a plot next to the Souza Lobo restaurant. I am of the opinion that Souza Lobo should get access from that property to go to the restaurant of Souza Lobo. If they agree it’s very good. I have nothing to do…,” the local MLA said.
He, however, maintained that there was rivalry between owners of two restaurants/clubs and the fight at Souza Lobo restaurant on Dec 28 was between these two owners.
“A lot of people from all over India come and do business in the State. It does not mean that they will come here and do what they want. Those two persons who were involved in the fights at Souza Lobo restaurant are non-Goans,” Lobo said.
The Calangute MLA also said that suspended Calangute PI Nolasco Raposo had failed to control the situation and DGP’s decision to suspend him was right.
“We had met the DGP and told him about the increase in the number of touts and agents. In the name of touts some anti-social elements were operating in the coastal belt. There was some respite for a week after meeting the DGP but the situation soon went out of control,” he said.
