PANJIM: The Archaeology Department has written to the Panjim police to investigate into the burial of body in the British Cemetery, a protected monument at Dona Paula last month.
Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) councillor CCP Nelson Cabral had filed a complaint in this regard.
The Archaeological Department has stated that the British Cemetery is a Protected Monument as per ‘The Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1978 and Rules 1980’ as per the Notification. Since it is the State Protected Monument, new burial in the premises is not permissible, according to Director of Archaeology Dr Nilesh Fal Dessai.
In the past the Department had submitted several complaints regarding unauthorised locking of gates by unknown person at the British Cemetery and also about illegal structure erected inside the cemetery. The site is extreme importance from historical and archaeological perspectives not only the State but for the entire country, Dr Fal Dessai stated.
In view of this, the Department has asked the police to investigate and lodge a complaint under Sections 295 and 441 of IPC and under Section 30 sub-section (1) of ‘The Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1978 and take serious steps to ensure safety.
