Team Herald
PANJIM: The Gomantak Gaud Maratha Samaj, alongside leaders and activists from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) community, condemned the alleged assault on ST leader Rama Kankonkar by Orville Vales, the Secretary of Sancoale Village Panchayat.
During a press conference, Madhu Nonu Gaonkar, President of the Gomantak Gaud Maratha Samaj, stated, “Injustice has been done to Kankonkar, who has been working diligently for our community. We condemn the casteist remarks made by the Secretary and demand immediate action against him.”
Activist Xencor Polgi highlighted the ongoing hunger strike by Premanand Naik, former Sarpanch of Sancoale Panchayat, who is protesting the permission granted for the Bhutani project. “Today marks the fifth day of the strike, reflecting the government’s failure under Chief Minister Pramod Sawant,” he warned.
Kankonkar reported that an FIR has been lodged against Vales under the Atrocities Act, a non-bailable offence. He asserted that Vales should not retain his position, as he might destroy evidence. “I do not understand why the Director of Panchayat is silent. He must be suspended, and an investigation must be initiated,” Kankonkar insisted.
“A clear message has been sent. Senior leaders from GAKUVED Federation, Gawd Maratha Samaj, and Christian ST organisations have submitted representations,” Kankonkar stated.
Additionally, the Gomantak Gaud Maratha Samaj has filed a complaint with the Goa Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes against the Panchayat Secretary for the alleged assault on Kankonkar and violations of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015.