PRATIK PARAB
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PANJIM: After escaping from the Crime Branch lockup, land-grab accused Siddiqui alias Suleman Khan sent out a video that has quickly gone viral and names a number of public figures, including top politicians and police officers. What is also interesting is how the video reached the public domain – it was sent by unknown persons to AAP leader Amit Palekar, who was not present at home, but instructed Goa Congress vice-president Sunil Kawthankar to collect it and he made it public.
The example of Siddiqui, who is accused in multiple land-grabbing cases apart from a murder case, affirms again that Goa’s biggest crimes almost always happen at the intersection of politics, power and real estate. The mad scramble to grab a piece of Goa has turned the soil of this State into a prized possession, just like gold.
“Everybody wants a foothold in Goa. People who have properties find this as an opportunity to make money. The Government is taking advantage more than anybody of the land buying and selling. Government should have put a control on the selling of land but it has failed to do so,” said activist Jose Maria Miranda to O Heraldo. “If the government functionaries are selling jobs, I am not surprised if they are involved in land deals as well,” he added.
Activist Swapnesh Sherlekar said, “We have consistently stated that the entire politics of Goa revolves around our lands. To make matters worse, most of our legislators are involved in real estate businesses. It’s crystal clear by now that most of the MLAs and Ministers are actively operating as brokers for selling and/or changing the eco-sensitive status of our lands.”
Sherlekar pointed out that the consequences of this scramble for Goa’s land will be disastrous for the State’s people and its ecosystem. “There is an urgent need for all of us to rise and stop these business deals of our Ministers and political leaders if we desire to keep our children in the land of our ancestors,” he added.
According to Goyche Fudle Pilge Khatir President Jack Mascarenhas, the merciless land-grabbing which Goa is grappling with threatens to erode the State’s unique identity. “The recent spate of high-profile cases, involving politicians, bureaucrats, and even police officials, highlights the deep-rooted nature of this problem,” he said, adding, “Local residents, particularly those from marginalised communities, are facing immense pressure as land prices skyrocket due to rampant speculation. Urgent action is needed to protect the rights of Goans and prevent the further erosion of their cultural heritage.”
Cops question Kawthankar, summon
Palekar over Siddiqui video
Team Herald
PANJIM: In its bid to get to the bottom of Siddiqui’s viral video, Old Goa Police on Tuesday questioned Goa Congress Vice-President Sunil Kawthankar and served a notice on AAP Goa president Adv Amit Palekar to be present for questioning on December 19.
In the video, Siddiqui claims that he was escorted out of Goa by the police and was assaulted by SP (Crime Branch) Rahul Gupta and others in the presence of Deputy Speaker Joshua D’Souza.
The video was made public by Kawthankar, who also claimed that he got the file on a pen drive from Palekar’s house.
The AAP Goa president reacted to the notice on X (formerly Twitter).
Palekar said, “I’m surprised the amount of hurry @Goa_Police are in probing the source of videos that despite informing the IO on call as well as on what’s app that I’m not in India till Monday next, I’m served a notice on what’s app by PSI Redkar of Old Goa PS to appear on 19/12/2024. This is how police are worried to know what else I have with me right @DGP_Goa and @spnorthgoa acting under @BJP4Goa Government HMV where spokespersons know more about investigation than both of you do!! What about SP Crime, DySP Suraj Halarnkar and MLA, why aren’t they summoned in spite of him being seen on CCTV?”
Kawthankar, who appeared before Old Goa police on Tuesday with some Congress and AAP leaders, was quizzed for around two hours. Talking to the media later, he alleged a lack of transparency in the investigation and claimed he was summoned despite being ready to co-operate, since the government is targeting the Opposition.
Kawthankar said he had intimated the DGP about the video over a call soon after receiving it on Sunday and had also submitted the pendrive with the video to the police the next day. “We saw how in the Banastarim accident case instead of arresting the main accused, police arrested Advocate Amit Palekar. Similar attempts are being made in this case apart from attempts to harass Opposition leaders. I am sure the next target of the police is Amit Palekar,” he said.
Kawthankar alleged that the government is trying to divert the attention of the people from burning issues like land grabbing, cash-for-jobs scam by targeting Opposition leaders. He also alleged that police are trying to attach his mobile phone to extract sensitive political information and information related to whistleblowers. He also wanted to know why no summons had been issued to the police officers and the Deputy Speaker Joshua D’Souza named in the video.
Meanwhile, Goa Police has suspended Head Constable Sarvesh Kandolkar, who was assigned to the Crime Branch, for dereliction of duty in connection with Siddiqui alias Suleman Khan’s escape from the lockup. Kandolkar, was the Station House Officer (SHO) on December 13, the fateful day, and had gone home for rest.
On Tuesday, the Mapusa Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Judge Girija Gaonkar also rejected the bail application of fugitive Suleman Khan alias Siddiqui, who had filed for bail two days before he escaped from police lockup.
