Matanhy, Joseph instigated attack at Sinquerim: Agnelo
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
CALANGUTE, DEC 18
Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes has hit back at former MLA Matanhy Saldanha and former Calangute sarpanch Joseph Sequeira in connection with the attack on three fishermen at Sinquerim.
In a twist to the episode, Fernandes has now accused Saldanha and Sequeira of instigating villagers of Candolim to attack the fishing community members.
He has also filed a complaint with Calangute Police, accusing Saldanha and Sequeira of instigating the fishing community members against his brother and other villagers.
Commenting on Saldanha’s claims that Fernandes is “dividing people for personal gains”, the Calangute MLA responded: “I have never divided people for my personal gains. All the fishing community members from Calangute, Nerul, Candolim and surrounding areas are peacefully carrying out their daily activities without any hindrance of whatsoever.”
“It is only the political opponents who are making issues to tarnish my image, but the people of my constituency are well aware of the tricks by my political opponents,” he said.
Fernandes then accused Saldanha of shielding a fisherman who had earlier burnt the canoes of other fishermen.
“How can Saldanha shield a person who has been instrumental in damaging the very source of earnings of the fishing community? The tourist boat owners are also traditional fishermen, but have only diverted from traditional fishing to tourism related business, Fernandes said.
“I am told that Saldanha has been collecting Rs 1000 for kerosene utilization certificates without issuing any receipts. The government should carry out a thorough investigation in the whole episode, as there is no accountability of the money collected by Saldanha,” claimed Fernandes.
“I have never instigated villagers of Candolim to attack the fishing community members. On the contrary, the instigation was planned by Saldanha and Sequeira, both unsuccessful UGDP candidates to tarnish my image.”
“I am told that Saldanha had visited Sinquerim jetty a month ago and since then, the attack has been planned. I have filed a complaint with the Calangute Police against Saldanha and Sequeira for instigating the fishing community members against my brother and other villagers,” said Fernandes.
PI Manjunath Dessai, who is holding the additional charge of Calangute Police Station, confirmed the receipt of a complaint letter from Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes against Saldanha and Sequeira, accusing them of instigating the fishermen of Calangute.
