MARGAO: Stung by criticism, Cuncolim MLA Clafasio Dias has filed Rs 5 crore defamation case in a civil court against budding Konkani singer Alison Gomes alias Alison de Curtorim in connection with a controversial Konkani song which went viral on online video sharing and social media platform.
However, the MLA’s move has not stopped Gomes, who has now gone a step further with his new song titled ‘Ghatki Cabral’ which too has gone viral on social media.
Alison says he is fearless, as he claims to have evidence to support his songs.
Gomes’ earlier song ‘Dhongi MLA’ crossed 1 lakh views within a week, while the recent song ‘Ghatki Cabral’ got 20,000 views within 10 hours, after being uploaded on the online video sharing and social media platform.
It may be recalled that a few days ago, the District and Sessions Court, Margao had granted anticipatory bail to the Konkani singer with regards to the complaint filed against him by the Cuncolim MLA. A section of the society has supported Alison, stating it is freedom of speech and that the MLA should accept such criticisms in a positive way.
The police had filed an FIR against Alison under Sections 295(A) and 500 of IPC respectively.
The Cuncolim MLA admitted to the defamation case filed in a civil court.
“He has defamed my image, especially by making allegations against me with regards to the damage of Holy Crosses in the song”, he said.
“The Cuncolim MLA has filed defamation against me in the civil court and I have already received a notice regarding the case. It is defamation of Rs 5 crore as alleged by the MLA but I am not afraid, as I have all the evidence”, Alison claimed.
Speaking to Herald with regards to his new song, Alison said, “It is my duty as an artiste to create public awareness. Why fear? I am speaking the truth and I got the required evidence /proof pertaining to the new song. Let them file more cases against me but I will keep singing political songs”.
Calling upon the cops not to misuse their powers, the singer urged them to investigate the allegations.
In his new song, Alison has highlighted the issues about the environment, coal, and electricity. Besides, garbage dumped at Cacora.
Caje D’Costa, a tiatrist based in Dubai said, “All have the right to freedom of speech and one must remember that once you are a public figure, you should be ready to face criticism. It is unfortunate that in the history of the Konkani tiatr that the concerned MLA (referring to the Cuncolim MLA) will be the first one to pressurise the police to issue an arrest warrant against the tiatrist”.
He said tiatrists are singing songs on several political leaders even by showing their posters and mentioning the names, but none of them has ever forced the police to take action against the tiatrists.
