Goa shaken by allegations against Chief Secretary

After the DGP saga, now Chief Secretary embroiled in property matters

Published on:

05 Sep 2024, 11:11 am

PANJIM: After the head of the Goa Police Force Ex DGP Jaspal Singh was shunted out of the state, after allegations of being involved in the Assagao land case, now the top boss of the civil services --the incumbent chief secretary Puneet Kumar Goel has been accused of purchasing a bungalow at Rs 2.3crores on converted land at Aldona. It appears that these allegations would certainly shake the faith of the administration in their head.

Politicians reacted strongly to the allegations, against the top bureaucrat, who is supposed to be above board.

The various changes in the Town and Country Planning Act were executed to facilitate such land conversions. Because politicians are doing illegalities, bureaucrats are not to be left behind. Goa is moving towards doom, Capt Viriato Fernandes, South Goa MP said.

“It is very said that the head of the bureaucracy is involved in such irregularities. A field has been converted to settlement zone. Where there was no house, a house has been built. There are no permissions taken. Secondly, in the last three years 39(A) amendment was brought in and conversions made. When this matter went to court, 17(2) amendment was made, by the TCP Minister and by the government. In that they have made corrections. And shown a road. When the top bureaucrat does this, Goa is moving towards doom.”

Capt Viriato Fernandes South Goa MP

“We wanted to meet him to ask whether he was the same Puneet Kumar Goel who is appearing in sale deeds. He did not meet us, he ran away. So we met the governor to examine the case, examine the case and take appropriate actions and if required suspend such people. Governor has promised us he will call people and examine the case.”

Amit Patkar, President, Goa Congress

Patkar also said we told Governor that such officer who are involved in illegal conversion of land and paddy fields, no development zones, forest cover have to he dealt with strongly. “Delhiwallas cannot come here and convert land using the tool prepared by the TCP Minister of 17(2), 39(A) and he is due to bring more amendment . Are these amendment for Delhiwalas to grab more lands in Goa, Patkar asked.

Pointing to the Caranzalem beach area and Reis Magos, Congressman Shriniwas Khalap pointed out that these huge buildings are coming up by ‘bursting through the stomach of Goa.’ The BJP government is destroying Goa like this.

“They have finished Goa in front of our eyes. Immediate action should be taken against the Chief Secretary. We have seen the documents. There is a sale of agricultural land, which he presides over and converts into settlement and then gives power of attorney to his son and purchases it. The records only show the land, but where has the house gone?”

Shriniwas Khalap, Member Congress