MAPUSA
Tivim Deputy Sarpanch Adv Harshta Kalangutkar has accused a panch of abusing and threatening her and the sarpanch at the panchayat office on Wednesday.
In a complaint to Colvale Police, adv. Kalangutkar stated that the incident had taken place during the monthly meeting of the panchayat at around 12.30 pm.
Adv Kalangutkar stated that the panch had submitted some work files of his ward for approval in the meeting, but these files were rejected by the Sarpanch as they were allegedly illegal in nature.
During the meeting, the panch began arguing with the Sarpanch for not approving his files.
After the meeting was over, the panch member is alleged to have abused the sarpanch and deputy sarpanch, besides threatening them with dire consequences, if his files were not approved in the next panchayat meeting.
Two other panchas who were present intervened and warned the panch about his behaviour.
Adv Kalangutkar told police that the accused panch, who appears to be desperate, frustrated and distressed, could take law into his hands.
Meanwhile, Sarpanch Venkatesh Shirodkar and four other panchas issued a statement supporting the claims made by Adv Kalangutkar, in her complaint to Colvale police.
“We are fully aware of the contents of the complaint...each and every content of the complaint is factually correct and true and we were present for the meeting and after the meeting when the said untoward incident took place.”
“We are of the strong belief that strict and necessary action needs to be taken against the culprit,” the statement added.
