MARGAO: As Goans continue to reel from the shocking house demolition in Assagao, a similar incident has surfaced in Raia, where unknown miscreants trespassed onto private property last Saturday and demolished a compound wall. This event has left local residents in shock, and the Maina-Curtorim police have begun an inquiry.
Members of the Abreu family allege that a local political leader from the village is behind this incident, claiming they have been harassed for years over a property dispute. The incident, which occurred at Bacbhat-Raia on the night of June 22, has left the family, including two senior citizens, fearing for their lives.
Following the unauthorised demolition of their compound wall and ongoing harassment allegations, the Abreu family is demanding immediate action from authorities. They have provided CCTV footage of the demolition. “We had constructed the compound wall after obtaining necessary permission from the village panchayat of Raia in April-May 2023,” said Oscar Abreu.
He explained that during the wall’s construction, a neighbouring property owner raised boundary issues. However, construction continued after a demarcation case initiated by the opposing party concluded. “At about 1.30 am to 2 am on June 22, six people wearing masks entered the property and demolished the compound wall to the extent of about 57 metres, and the entire incident has been recorded by CCTV cameras,” said Abreu. He claimed the family has suffered a financial loss of nearly Rs two lakh due to the incident.
The Abreu family is urging the police to take action. “We are law-abiding people, and issues should be resolved through proper channels instead of resorting to intimidation tactics. Damaging the compound wall with the help of bouncers is unacceptable,” said Abreu.
Reacting to the issue, local leader Anthony Barbosa demanded that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant take serious note of the incident and initiate immediate action. “The incident at Bacbatt-Raia is of a serious nature. Damaging someone’s property with the help of bouncers is shocking. We cannot tolerate this in our village,” he said.
Police Inspector Arun Dessai of Maina-Curtorim station told O Heraldo that an inquiry has already been initiated. “The dispute between the concerned parties regarding the property has been ongoing for the last few months. A
A complaint regarding the alleged damage to the compound wall has been received, and an inquiry has been initiated,” said Dessai.
