MARGAO: The Prescribed Authority in the Union Home Ministry has finally initiated inquiry into the complaint lodged against former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao and his family members that they have acquired Portuguese citizenship.
Based on a complaint filed by Elvis Gomes, Personal Assistant to Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva, stating that Churchill’s family members have registered their births in Portugal, the Presiding Authority has sought details from the Goa government on the matter concerning Churchill and his family members.
The Presiding Authority’s action comes against the backdrop of a legal notice served on the agency by Elvis to initiate the process against Churchill and his family members within 15 days or else threatened to knock the doors of the High Court for action. The legal notice was served on the Authority for its failure to hold a single hearing since he had filed the petition way back on February 3 this year. In his complaint before the Presiding Authority, Elvis had prayed to declare Churchill, his wife and children, except Valanka, as Portuguese citizens.
Elvis had alleged in his complaint that Churchill had registered his marriage in Portugal, while wife Fatima, son Savio and daughters Sara, Wanda, Sharon and Aninha are now all Portuguese citizens after they got their births registered in Portugal in 2009.
Documents relied upon by Gomes stated that while Churchill’s son Savio and daughters Sara, Wanda, Aninha and Sharon had registered their births in Portugal on September 22, 2009, the former PWD Minister’s wife had registered her birth on December 15, 2008. He further alleged that Churchill had registered his marriage in Portugal on February 18, 2009.
Incidentally, Elvis had lodged a criminal complaint with the Colva police calling for action against Churchill and his family members under various provision of the law.
When contacted, Churchill said he has nothing more to say on the matter, reiterating there’s no merit in the complaint against him and his family members before the Presiding Authority.
