Team Herald
MARGAO: The Gawada Kunbi Velip and Dhangar Federation (GAKUVED) delegation on Monday met Minister for Water Resource Department Filipe Neri Rodrigues in connection with the suspension of Water Resources Department staff.
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Six WRD staff, attached to Chapolim Dam service area, was suspended recently over the controversial Bollywood actor Poonam Pandey soft porn video case.
The GAKUVED delegation requested Filipe Neri to revoke the suspension.
The delegation comprised of Vice President Ravindra Velip, General Secretary Rupesh Velip and Central Council member and Legal Advisor Adv Joao Fernandes.
Velip explained to the Minster how injustice has been done to the six WRD staff and how they have been made “scapegoats” in the alleged shooting of obscene video by Bollywood actor Poonam Pandey on the premises of Chapolim Dam.
He further stated that the federation is shocked and deeply pained to hear the suspension of six Scheduled Tribes community members who are the staff of the Water Resources Department and are attached to the Chapoli Dam service area.
“The GAKUVED further explained to the minister in brief the actual facts of the alleged incident,” he added.
“The alleged incident of video shooting took place somewhere between 6.30 am and 8.30 am on October 31. Whereas the above-mentioned staff was supposed to join their duty at 9.30 am on October 31. The above-mentioned staff had no connection with the alleged video shoot as all of them are technical staff (five are pump attendant) and one is supervisor. How they can be held responsible for the incident?” asked the Federation.
GAKUVED informed that the minister has assured the Federation members, that he will conduct an inquiry at his level through Superintending Engineer with regard to the Suspension of six WRD staff.
