TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: A day after the Margao police booked them for obstructing police while discharging their lawful duties, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai and Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco on Monday demanded immediate withdrawal of the case or to register a similar case against Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado for the loud music played at the Sinquetim dance till 2.30 am on Monday.
“Everyone should be equal before the law. If the police have booked us for playing loud music beyond permissible limit and for obstructing the police on duty, we demand that either the false and trumped-up charges are dropped or similar case is registered against Avertano”, Vijai and Reginaldo demanded while addressing a joint conference this evening.
The duo came down heavily on the government for police action against them, saying filing of false and malicious cases is nothing but an attempt to silence them on the eve of the Assembly.
“There’s a clear attempt to stifle the voice of the opposition. The case was filed against me because I have moved a resolution for sound relaxation during weddings and traditional events. This resolution would have ended the politician-police nexus in extorting money from organisers”, Vijai said.
He demanded to know why the police did not seize sound appliances from the Sinquetim dance venue, but allowed organisers to continue music till 2.30 am, adding “just imagine the fate of the common man if the elected MLAs are treated in this fashion”.
The Curtorim MLA said the police have foisted false case against them by alleging that their jeep was stoned at the venue.
“People of Goa have now realised the fascist tendencies of the BJP regime”, he said, while taking a vow to fight the dictatorial government tooth and nail.
