Mormugao likely to be declared as sensitive

Team Herald

VASCO: South Goa Collector in consultation with the Election Commission is likely to declare Mormugao assembly constituency as sensitive and soon heavy pose of security personnel would be deployed in Mormugao. 

It may be recalled that few days ago there was a clash between BJP and Congress supporters in Mormugao after which five cases were registered by the Mormugao police in on a single night including -- two of which were molestation.  

BJP candidate in Mormugao and Power Minister Milind Naik has written a letter to Chief Election Commissioner, Delhi, expressing the fear that anti-social elements have been creating fear among the law abiding citizens, thereby causing unrest and disturbance in the constituency. 

In his complaint, Naik mentioned that several manhandling and assault cases have been registered at Mormugao police station and there is a need for deployment of high security personnel and extra surveillance team immediately.

“I have received a copy of complaint made by Naik and it is expected that the South Goa Collector, in consultation with Election Commission, would declare Mormugao as sensitive constituency and additional security would be deployed in Mormugao in next few days till elections,” said Deputy Collector and Returning officer Mormugao Gaurish Sankhalwalkar

Meanwhile, there is resentment among Headland Sada locals who are supporting Congress candidate Sankalp Amonkar. They claimed that BJP candidate Milind Naik has been misusing government machinery to selectively target people who have left Naik and have extended support to Amonkar.

They alleged that Naik has been using his powers to book false cases against people supporting Amonkar. 

“We are surprised to note that our friend Suraj alias Balan Chodankar who was earlier with Milind Naik and was responsible in getting Naik elected in the past was not a criminal or history-sheeter when he was with Naik. However, the moment he and others decided to support Congress candidate, he as well as others started receiving notices for personal hearing, and even started facing arrest, like the way he was arrested by police on Friday and was presented before deputy collector Mormugao,” said Murari Bandekar.

Reacting to the accusation, Deputy Collector and Returning officer Mormugao Gaurish Sankhalwalkar claimed Chodankar being history sheeter had executed a bond for good behaviour under Section 110 of CRPC. “However, since he was booked in a second case, his bond stands violated and thus he was arrested under Section 151 of CRPC. After hearing executing a new bond with a surety he will be released,” he said.