CALANGUTE: A hut, fishing canoe, fishing nets and other fishing gear burnt down in a suspected case of arson at Candolim late Tuesday night, with the hut owner suspecting the involvement of a politician from Candolim.
While the hut owner, Seby D’Souza, claims to have suffered a loss of Rs 8 lakh and termed the incident as “political vendetta” by a high-profile politician from Candolim, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo has termed the incident as “disgraceful”.
According to sources, the fire broke out at about 10.30 pm engulfing the hut with flames in no time. Locals immediately alerted the fire service station and Calangute police too rushed to the site. Three fire tenders were pressed into service.
Lobo and his team were at Candolim beach till 2 am monitoring the situation.
Speaking to Herald, Seby claimed that the hut was deliberately set ablaze by his political opponents as they could not demolish it through the tourism department.
“It was nothing but political vendetta. My hut existed at the site for last 26 years. There are many huts all along the coast from Sinquerim to Baga, but only my hut was targeted at the behest of a politician from Candolim,” alleged D’Souza.
“I lost my fishing canoe, fishing nets, wooden items, glass bottles and other materials worth Rs 8 lakh. I have filed a complaint with Calangute police stating that I suspect the hand of a local politician in the fire, as he had complained to the tourism department against my hut,” he said.
“I have also put forth my grievances before the Calangute MLA,” he added.
Lobo said the incident was a disgraceful act on part of the political opponents which should never be repeated as someone had lost his livelihood.
“I condemn the incident as it was a pre-planned arson and there was no possibility of a short circuit since there were no live electricity wires passing over the hut,” said Lobo.
“I am surprised that such incidents are taking place despite the BJP government ruling the State. Calangute police will be directed to thoroughly investigate the conspiracy and punish the guilty as per law,” added Lobo.
