TEAM HERALD
CALANGUTE: One of the landlords of the saltpan at Agarvaddo-Calangute has hit out at the tenants, accusing them of trying to grab land by mischievous means.
“The so-called tenants are trying to grab the land through mischievous means, despite not being in possession of the saltpan over the years,” alleged Jude Sodder, in a written statement while responding to recent allegations made by the tenants.
“No salt was extracted from the saltpan for the last 15 years or so, while the fish has been regularly caught and removed by us landlords,” stated Sodder.
“My family members and I are the owners of the property/saltpan known as ‘Huddho Agor’ or ‘Gorcuximmecho Agor’ or ‘Oddule Agor’ at Agar Vaddo, Calangute.
“One Pedru Fialho was earlier the caretaker and used to buy and sell the salt in the market. However, he later discontinued as the caretaker due to advanced age and we never gave the saltpan/pond on rent to anyone else. The claim by Clinton D’Souza that they have been involved in salt extraction for the last 65-70 years is baseless,” insisted Sodder.
“On January 21 and February, I was compelled to file a police complaint in view of attempted trespass and theft by five persons in our private pond, including Alfred Fialho and Clinton D’Souza who claim to be the grandsons of Pedro.”
“They were also called to the Calangute police station and asked to produce documents to prove their rights, if any. The Calangute Police has filed a case under Section 145 CrPC, while I have issued a legal notice, which has been replied by them.”
“Clinton D’Souza and others have also filed a civil suit in the matter. The claim by Clinton D’Souza that the Calangute Police is harassing them at the behest of some unidentified person is not true,” Sodder added.
“We have carried out the fishing in full public view on March 28, 29 and 30, to prove our rights over the saltpan/pond. The so-called tenants only intend to grab the land by mischievous means” insisted Sodder.
