Twenty-seven villagers from Sao Jose de Areal appeared before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court in Margao on Wednesday in connection with a protest that took place on February 19, 2024. The protest was staged against the installation of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which locals alleged was carried out without the requisite approval from the village Panchayat.
The demonstration escalated into a tense standoff during the visit of Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai. According to the police, protestors threw mud and stones at officers, resulting in injuries to several personnel. Based on a chargesheet filed by the Maina Curtorim police, the 27 villagers have been booked under multiple sections, including rioting, unlawful assembly, wrongful restraint, and causing hurt to public servants.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Speaking to the media, Advocate Om Stanley, representing the villagers, stated, “My clients have only appeared in court today and received the chargesheet. The next hearing is scheduled for August 9. I haven’t reviewed the chargesheet in detail yet, but it appears to be a fabricated case aimed at harassing local activists who are speaking out against the government. We are confident that we will win the case.”
The matter has sparked concerns over freedom of expression and due process, with locals alleging political motives behind the legal action.
