As a Secretary Mines and then Special Secretary to ChiefMinister in Digambar Kamat’s government, Rajeev Yaduvanshi was one of the mostpowerful bureaucrats around. But two years after his transfer, his legacy stillcontinues.
Villagers of Rangavi Estate under Velsao-Pale-IssorcimPanchayat have complained that an illegal barricade has been obstructing thelane in front of his house.
Yaduvanshi, who had served in the State administrationbetween 2006-2011 blocked the public road leading to his personal residence byerecting an illegal barricade, since the time his bungalow was constructed,alleges local residents.
“The barricade is certainly illegal and built without theconsent of the local panchayat. But even after knowing the fact we kept quiet,as the officer is quite influential,” confirms a former Sarpanch of the villageunder the condition of anonymity.
Such has been the clout of Yaduvanshi that even after twoyears since he left Goa nobody dares to even complain.
Even the local panchayat seems oblivious to this fact. WhenThe Goan contacted ward member, Nandita Dayal, as whether she was aware that anillegal barricading had been done on a public road she said, “Yes I have seenthe barricading which in reality is not obstructing any vehicular traffic, asthe IAS officer’s bungalow is at the dead end of the road. However we needwritten objection to act.”
Dayal stays just 200 metres away from the barricade.
“There are several illegalities in the panchayatjurisdiction and since the matter has been reported to me I assure that theissue of illegal barricading will be raised in the forthcoming meeting ofpanchayat body to be held on October 22 and thereafter possibly the panchayatwould serve the notice” Dayal said.
What Dayal however failed to explain is whether aninfluential bureaucrat gets a right to put a barricade to his house even if heis not posted here and if nobody has objected.
Locals besides a former Sarpanch have also confirmed thatfew policemen regularly guard the private bungalow of the officer in night.
How does the powerful Yaduvanshi, who is under scanner forthe state’s illegal iron ore mining scam continue to enjoy such privileges isanybody’s guess.
