Expressing surprise at their absence, Sarpanch Deepa Naik informed that the Ponda police inspector was asked to deploy police personnel, while the EE was asked to remain present with a JCB, a truck and five labourers for the demolition drive. A toilet and store room constructed by one Avduth Shikerkar on around 1,500 square metres of panchayat land were to be demolished at 10 am.
Salcete Deputy Collector Ajit Panchwadkar, who was in charge of the demolition, had directed the officials to remain present for the demolition.
Naik further stated that she, the panchas, Block Development Officer (BDO) Prasidha Naik and other officials showed up at the scheduled time, but the police and EE did not turn up even at 12.30 pm. She continued, “We waited for two-and-a-half hours. As they did not turn up, the demolition could not be held.”
Naik also claimed that the police and EE did not bother to explain why they were absent. She stated that their actions showed disregard for the panchayat as well as the Deputy Collector and will encourage encroachment. She also speculated that political interference might have led to the absence of the officials.
