Team Herald

MARGAO: Tuesday’s demolition served as a bitter lesson for the migrants at Pedamol, as their life earnings, which they had invested in purchasing land, houses and plots, went down the drain. 

Claiming that they have no money for the treatment of their elders and for the education of their kids, they have now decided to file a police complaint against the Attorney and his brother for putting them in trouble. 

"Our house has been demolished and we have no money for the treatment of our elders and for the education of our kids," said an emotional Mumtaz Bepari, a housewife. 

"We have worked hard all these years to earn a living and saved all the money for the house. However, the house that we worked for, is now lost" Mumtaz added. 

When asked as to from whom they had purchased the land and house, she provided the name of one Vinod Shirvoikar and the Attorney of Shirvoi Communidade Subodh Shirvoikar. 

She informed that like her, all the migrants settled here, had paid an amount of Rs 1,000 per sq mt in cash. 

People have blamed the panchayat too. 

A resident speaking on the condition of anonymity asked, "How and why did the panchayat provide water and electricity connections if the houses were illegal?" 

Ahmed, another resident said, "When we got notices, Vinod Shirvoikar told us that he will protect us and nothing will happen. However, now that he has put us in trouble, he is not traceable." 

Farida Khan said, "The entire Pedamol area had over 300 children studying in various schools around. Only God knows what will be the future of these kids." 

Besides deciding to file a police complaint against the accused, these people have decided to sit before the house of the Attorney demanding compensation.