MARGAO: In the run up to the hearings that will take place on Saturday, at the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Margao, at 10 am, more people have come forward to say they will extend their support to the four persons, who have been issued summons.
Goencho Ekvott is another group that will show solidarity while a large number of citizens have spoken about meeting outside the court to show their support.
The four persons, who were issued the summons, are Abhijit Prabhudesai, Diana Tavares, Freddy Travasso and Vikas Bhagat, all members of the Goyankt Kollso Naka (GKN) group.
Incidentally, the chargesheet has been filed against these four persons and a fifth person named Rocky but the police were unable to trace him and issue the summons. However, the efforts to trace him are still underway following which he will be issued the summons.
A case has been filed by the Railway Police on behalf of the Union of India against these persons for their role in the famous protests that took place at Chandor between November 1 and 2, 2020. They were protesting against the plans of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) of laying the double track at Chandor Railway Station by closing the road.
The FIRs that have been registered against the accused persons are under Section 146, 147 and 174 (a) of the Railway Act, 1989. The Railway Police have accused the protestors of blocking the smooth movement of goods trains during their protest and also for trespassing, squatting and picketing.
While the GKN members have engaged with a lawyer and are prepared to battle out the case in the court, the Railway Police are expected to issue summons to other persons who have been named in the chargesheet.
Moreover, the Maina-Curtorim Police, who had also registered offences that include rioting and unlawful assembly against the protesters soon after those protests had taken place, are also planning on following up the matter and have sent their chargesheet in the court of law. Their FIRs are also against the persons whom the Railway Police have registered FIRs.
