Team Herald
PANJIM: Majorda-Utorda-Calata panchayat member and president of Nuvem Block Mahila Congress Sharlet Fernandes was allegedly attacked and insulted by fellow panchas and the panchayat secretary on September 4.
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Fernandes said she had raised objections to illegal construction activities, which she claimed led to her being threatened and abused by Sarpanch Linet Vaz, panch Creson Antao, and Panchayat Secretary Custodio Faria. Fernandes recorded the abuse on her mobile phone, but the trio reportedly seized her phone. She also faced restrictions on using the office phone until the Colva police intervened, returning her phone and taking her for a medical examination.
Meanwhile, the Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee (GPMCC) condemned the harassment and abuse she faced. GPMCC President Beena Naik called for comprehensive training on gender equality for elected panchayat members following the incident.
Naik expressed shock that local self-government institutions, including panchayats, are sites where elected representatives, particularly women, are subjected to threats and abuse.
Naik criticised the BJP for allegedly supporting those who intimidate people and expressed frustration over the lack of action from the authorities despite complaints to the Salcete BDO, Director of Panchayats, and Chief Secretary. Naming two other villagers facing hardship in obtaining certificates, Naik said panchayat members should act responsibly and urged the government to implement gender equality training. Fernandes described the incident, explaining her refusal to sign an inspection report of a construction within a road widening area, which led to the aggressive behaviour from Panch Creson Antao.
She reported that the panchayat secretary instructed the others to seize her mobile phone, causing her physical injury.
Fernandes criticised the failure to address the issue, including non-functional CCTV cameras and the inaction of higher authorities.
