Team Herald

MARGAO: Deputy Collector Uday Prabhudessai after marathon meetings with Benaulim villagers and representatives of the All Goa Banjara Samaj (AGBS) told them that nobody would be allowed to take law in their hands and urged them to register whatever complaints they have with the police.

Speaking to media persons, he said till date nobody has lodged any complaint with the authorities and that he called both the groups for discussion to prevent any law and order situation arising from the conflict that the Lamanis have with the locals.

For the last three days, around 40 shops managed and owned by Lamanis have not been allowed to function in Benaulim as the villagers have forced the landowners to close these shops many of which have been operating for more than 20 years.

Francisco Fernandes from Benaulim said that the problem arose after one Vasu Malgimani obtained a taxi driving licence and is operating in the Benaulim area. According to the local taxi drivers, Malgimani is taking away their business opportunities.

“This problem came up last year and the AGBS had assured us that Vassu would not drive a tourist taxi this year. But this promise was not kept, therefore, we decided to close down all the businesses run by Lamanis in the village,” Francisco said.

During the discussions with the deputy collector, representatives of the AGBS reportedly agreed to prevail upon Vassu not to drive the tourist taxi at least in Benaulim area and promised to convince him to sacrifice Benaulim for the welfare of the entire community that is presently suffering.

AGBS General Secretary Ganesh Lamani told media persons that Vassu had not heeded to their request and was determined to carry on his business.

The deputy collector sternly told both the parties to approach the police with any complaint and not to take law into their hands.

He has also asked the panchayat to ensure that the businesses in the village are following all the procedures.