WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2024
Team Herald
Award-winning actress Marianne Borgo fled her home in Calangute, Goa, in the dead of night after “feeling terrified” at the end of an 11-day-long blockade of her gate by the widow of the man she bought the house some years ago. Several private security guards were deployed to block the driveway and the gate was locked, restricting entry to everyone, even the police, at times. Electricity, water and eventually gas was also cut off, making it impossible to remain in the house.
In a statement to Herald, Marianne said that she is safe and that she has met her doctor due to her health. She also said her fight for justice would continue. Marianne is presently lodged in a hotel and fighting her case which is scheduled to come up in court on Monday. “This is not Modi’s Idea of India. He has been working all over the world to create a positive tourism-friendly image but the recent events have left me disappointed as I feel the achievements are not able to reach the state level here in Goa,” she said.
Marianne Borgo was hoping the Court would help her after having filed a case for an injunction in trial court around a year ago, but the decision did not go her way. This left her vulnerable, more so after she refused a proposal to buy her silence and to move out in 3 or 15 days. The 75-year-old Borgo also said she could not remain any longer without a proper bath and her health was deteriorating due to these circumstances.
Ms Borgo added that her computer iPad was stolen but even after providing CCTV footage and filing an FIR, it was not returned to her. She locked her doors but expects that the rest of her valuables will also be taken, now that she has left. Her neighbours provided her refuge after she “couldn’t take the harassment any longer”.
