AUGUSTO RODRIGUES
VAGATOR: Two Anjuna properties that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had attached and taken possession are seeing rampant activity, leaving the ED authorities fumbling for answers. While one of the properties has large-scale construction going on, which seems to indicate an upcoming commercial property, the second one has a restaurant even after being sealed by the High Court.
These two are part of a list of 19 properties that were listed in prominent advertisements in the media on November 23, 2024, as notices by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) taking possession of them.
Through the advertisement, the ED listed the survey numbers of 19 properties.
‘Property bearing survey no 225/3 at Anjuna , Bardez Goa’ is the first property on the list and our investigation shows that construction work is going on in the property even after the advertisement came out.
“Yes, property under survey no 225/3 is under our possession, but we are unaware that construction work is going on there. The department will depute an officer to investigate and take strict action,” said an ED source when confronted with photos of the ongoing construction.
“No one is entitled to step into any of the attached properties and punitive action will be taken. Whatever has been erected will be demolished,” stated an officer from the ED office on condition of anonymity.
According to official records, survey number 225/3 shows that the property belongs to Ramchandran Dabholkar.
“We know a restaurant was running at the place earlier, but this was sealed and later demolished because it was illegal,” added the ED official.
“We have been informed that the place has been given out to an outsider who already runs a club in Anjuna and intends to start a new club. While I have no proof, this seems to be the reason for the construction work,” remarked local resident Roysal D’Souza.
The other property under the scanner is listed as Serial No. 12 of the ED advertisement under survey no 339/2 at Anjuna. Documents presented to the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court by the Anjuna Panchayat mentions the name of Keshav Shambu Palyekar and Ors as the owners of the land.
The restaurant Mahalaxmi on the property was one among the 175 ordered to be sealed by the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court. Despite the order, the façade of the restaurant facing the sea functions whilst the remaining part is made to appear to be sealed.
“It will be nice to see if ED takes possession of this place, because the Anjuna Panchayat has proved that it is not capable of implementing the Court order,” stated an activist from the village on condition of anonymity, fearing reprisal.
“I do not know off hand whether the property has been de-sealed or not. I will need to check the details with my office,” said Anjuna Sarpanch Laxmidas Chimulkar. “If the property has been attached by the ED, the responsibility of whether it is operating or not lies with them,” he added.
Keshav Palyekar, owner of Mahalaxmi restaurant, had contested the Goa Legislative Assembly elections and lost after being the Sarpanch of the village.