MAPUSA: The State government’s decision to constitute a Special Investigation team (SIT) to probe land grabbing cases across Goa following a series of exposes by the Herald was welcomed by people from all sections of the society. However, they also demanded speedy expediting of the investigations and the court proceedings that will follow.
A group of people from Badem-Assagao, who are fighting the battle against land grabbing including Adv Augustus Monteiro, Ashley Monteiro, Adv Christine Dias and others said, “Setting up the SIT is a welcome and much needed. This will definitely help in unearthing the malicious intent of the perpetrators, who are making mockery of the administration system,” they said.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
They demanded that orders should be passed to nullify illegal mutations, subsequent illegal sale deeds and return the possession of the property to the rightful owners without any financial strain. There should be a definite timeline for this investigation and no loopholes to allow accused to go scot free. Also dishonest authorities should be removed from their positions.
Francis Noronha, a complaint from Candolim whose ancestral land was fraudulently sold, said, “Thank you Herald for furthering the cause for justice. Now the names of those who have unscrupulously endorsed this blatant theft will be revealed.”
Narrating his ordeal to register an FIR, Noronha said,” It took police, Collector’s office, State Registrar and the Chief Minister over seven months to take cognisance of this rampant multi crore fraud, where the concerned authorities blatantly abused their positions. He further pointed how the police despite glaring evidence the police took three months to register an FIR.
Goa Association of Realtors President Amit Chopra said, “There is now a hope in the public and masterminds and those who facilitated this shall be brought to book.
Adv Christine Dias said, “We are sincerely grateful and thank Team Herald for highlighting stressful journey of the affected villagers.”
