MARCEL, MAY 7
The arrests of 12 from Orissa who were residing at Bhoma-Ponda for their alleged links with a naxalite group have surprised residents of Bhoma-Adcolna.
Residents could not believe that 12 suspects having links with a naxalite group were staying in the locality and claimed that these people never indulged in any suspicious activity.
They have claimed that Bhoma village, which is close to Kundaim Industrial Estate, has a number of migrant workers residing in rented premises.
“We have made it mandatory for every house owner who rents out rooms to submit tenant verification forms to the police,” said Bhoma-Adcolna resident Sunil Bhomkar.
“Being close to the Kundaim Industrial Estate, there are many migrants residing in our village in rented rooms. I think that companies also should conduct such verification drives before employing any person.”
“The arrests of these men from Bhoma will attract negative publicity to our village and we don’t want such things to happen again,” Bhomkar added.
Prekshama Kubal, who had rented out her room to six men who were arrested, said she never knew that Shambu Beck was such a notorious man wanted by the Orissa police.
“He (Shambu) stayed along with these men in the rented room for around eight days. When I inquired about him, they told me that he (Shambu) is a friend and would leave soon. I never sensed anything suspicious in their behaviour as they were regular in their work. They never created any trouble nor were involved in any argument,” said Kubal.
According to reports, the 12 men were arrested from three different rented rooms in Bhoma.
Albicia Lakda, wife of one accused, Amrit Lakda, claimed that her husband is innocent.
“Amrit is here in Goa since 2006. As we don’t have proper employment back home, my husband is working here to make a living. I hope authorities will release my husband as he has done nothing wrong,” said Lakda.
