As Ponda police summoned two youth from Varbhat-Kavlem belonging to the local Narkasura troupe at the police station for questioning, residents of Ramnathi, Varbhat, Bandora and Kavlem, agitated over the police action, gathered in large numbers outside the Ponda police station protesting against the arrest.
They claimed that the issue was a minor one and the ashram was implicating people in false cases. They warned that if locals are arrested, the ashram would be closed. Meanwhile, Ponda police has provided police protection to the ashram.
Briefing media, Saurab Lotlikar of Bandora, said the incident occurred when the driver of the truck carrying Narkasura wanted to reverse the vehicle at the ashram.
“The truck was carrying the Narkasura effigy for a competition at Ramnathi and several vehicles were parked along the road. An ashram member did not cooperate with the locals and refused to open the gate for the vehicle. If they are not cooperating, why is the ashram needed in the village?” asked Lotlikar.
Lotlikar said that the citizens will submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar regarding the matter.
A local woman accused the ashram members of video shooting locals and children whenever they pass by the ashram road.
It may be recalled that the ashram in their complaint to Ponda police stated that about 30 members of a Narkasura-carrying troupe trespassed into their premises with an intention to create terror and attack the ashram members.
However, the locals have denied the same. Ponda PI C L Patil said police is investigating the case and have recorded the statements of the two youth.
Meanwhile in a press note, Sanathan Saunstha has condemned the act of the people who had gathered at the police station, claiming that they are relatives of the suspects involved in the attack on the ashram.
“They are pressurizing to protect those involved in assaulting the ashram workers. The home minister has failed to take note of the attack on the ashram,” states the press note.
