Team Herald
MARGAO: Minister and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai has blamed the previous government for the tangled status of the Velim Church assault case calling it a ‘mistake’.
A delegation of Velim residents accused in the case, along with the parish priest, met the minister and handed over an appeal to him. The delegation was led by Goa Forward member and Velim candidate Anthony (Babush) Rodrigues.
Sardesai, addressing their grievances clarified that he may not be able to speak much on the case as it is sub-juidice but said, “The present status of the Velim case is a mistake of the last government. This is a case where personalities like Fr Romano and Fr Lucio are accused and I fail to understand why the plea to drop the charges of 302 was not made when you had promised to withdraw the case.”
Sardesai said that Rodrigues made a representation to resolve the matter where 22 people and 1500 unknown people are being troubled. “Till June which is the next hearing of the case we assure that we will solve the issue with the help and support of the government and give the people their due right to travel abroad for work,” he added.
Going a step ahead, Sardesai said he wants to reassure the minorities that the government is of Goenkars and will protect the interest of the minorities.
Rodrigues highlighted that the people have been facing trouble due to the case.
“People who wanted to go abroad to make a living have suffered a setback due to the case as they are now not allowed to go. They need to be helped,” Rodrigies said.
