Team Herald
CALANGUTE: Former Calangute sarpanch Joseph Sequeira was summoned to the Calangute Police Station on Wednesday for questioning following an alleged complaint of molestation was filed against him by the deputy sarpanch of Calangute Panchayat.
The panchayat members and workers were carrying out a clearance of encroachment drive at Gaura Vaddo on Monday. On being informed about the activity being carried out by the panchayat in his ward, he went to the site and with his car blocked the panchayat vehicle.
After an alleged verbal scuffle between the panchayat members and the former sarpanch, PI Nolasco Raposo was informed about the incident after which he rushed to the spot.
Calangute Sarpanch Shawn Martins made a complaint at the police station against Sequeira for obstructing the public servants from performing their duty.
While later that day, the Deputy Sarpanch Pooja Matkar lodged a complaint of alleged molestation.
Calangute PI told Herald that Sequeira was summoned to the police station on Wednesday and his car has been attached in the case.
Further investigation in the matter is in progress.
Sequeira told Herald that the entire episode of false molestation allegations made against him were totally defamatory in nature.
“This is a political stunt as we had filed a delimitation case against the present panchayat body that had manipulated the wards. They converted my ward to OBC and I have gone to the High Court which has issued notices to all of them. They are now worried whether they will remain in the panchayat. This is a serious case of molestation made against me which has damaged my character. I am a respected person and after 30 years someone has filed a molestation case against me. I did not push or even touch her,” said Sequeira.
