FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024
PORVORIM: Accusing the BJP Porvorim Block of indulging in politics into the murder of Vilas Methar, who was set ablaze at Torda, Porvorim, recently, Salvador do Mundo Panchayat has called for an impartial probe into the case.
At a press conference, the members accused BJP leader Kunda Chodankar of unnecessarily targeting the panchayat for “shielding” the illegal constructions, which led to the murder.
Sarpanch Sandeep Salgaonkar said the panchayat had instead ordered the demolition of the building, which was stayed by Directorate of Panchayats.
Deputy Sarpanch Reena Fernandes, Panch Vijai Chodankar and Zilla Panchayat member Gupesh Naik were also present.
Salgaonkar said BJP’s Porvorim Block was trying to garner political mileage out of unfortunate killing of an innocent person.
He said the deceased had his office in the panchayat building and was closely associated with the elected body.
The sarpanch produced the order issued by the panchayat against illegal construction, against whom Vilas was fighting.
He alleged that the Directorate of Panchayats stayed the order by allowing the construction to be completed in violation of the rules.
“It is not for the first time that Directorate of Panchayats has quashed the orders of Salvador do Mundo Panchayat, but it had become regular affair, due to which the illegalities were encouraged,” he alleged.
“If Kunda was not aware about the fact, she should have visited us and got the information. She has unnecessarily addressed the media with false information by maligning the image of the panchayat,” he charged.
Salgaonkar informed that Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte had brought this issue of Panchayat Director “mindfully” quashing the orders, on the floor of the House.
Without naming the minister, the sarpanch claimed that the real illegalities are happening within the BJP camp. An influential minister in Dr Pramod Sawant Cabinet has purchased a hill at Quitla, which should be the subject of discussion for the BJP, if they are interested in acting against illegalities in the real sense.
Deputy Sarpanch Reena Fernandes dared Chodankar to get the demolition order activated by vacating stay from Directorate of Panchayats and pull down the illegal building.
“The BJP is not bothered about the victim’s family but instead is busy playing politics over the incident, which is condemnable,” she charged.
