PONDA: The Bhoma locals who are agitating against the National Highway (NH) expansion through Bhoma Village stated that they will challenge the notices issued by the deputy collector to 22 locals. They claimed that Bhomkars were never involved in any violent activities.
Sanjay Naik, a local stated that in December 2023 they were protesting peacefully and had only asked the authorities to furnish the papers on the NH expansion plan, which they refused to do so and added that on the contrary about 150 villagers were detained by the police.
Naik said that there were four ailing senior citizens among the 22 villagers who were also issued notices.
It may be recalled that anticipating a law and order situation due to agitation by Bhomkars, the Ponda deputy collector and SDM had issued notices to around 22 Bhomkars.
They have been directed to appear before the Deputy Collector in person on February 2 and show cause as to why they should not be required to execute a bond of Rs 10,000 and also give security by bond of one/two sureties of the like amount under section 107 CrPC 1973 assuring that they will keep peace for a term of six months.
