The Office of the President of India has intervened in the Xeldem land-grab controversy, directing the Revenue Department of Goa to take urgent action.
Acting on a complaint filed by Vishal Ulhas Gauns Dessai and Aditya Raut Dessai, Under Secretary (Revenue-II) Agnelo D’Souza has forwarded the matter to the Collector, South Goa, instructing an examination and “further necessary action.”
The communication, dated November 28, 2025 (letter P2/G/202509114024), confirms that the President’s Secretariat has taken cognisance of allegations of land grabbing and illegal construction in Survey No. 172/2 of Xeldem, involving property belonging to Shree Sateri Gramdevi at Shateri Shantadurga Devasthan, an institutional property under the custody of the Administrator of Devalaya / Mamlatdar, Quepem.
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The original complaint, addressed to twenty state and central authorities—including the President and Prime Minister of India, Goa DGP, and SIT Land Scam Unit—alleges procedural violations, illegal mutations, and unauthorised construction on Devasthan property.
The issue came to light after an O Heraldo report (June 5, 2025) and a viral WhatsApp message highlighted irregularities in the mutation process. Names of three individuals—Gauns Mohiddin Saheb Sanni (Mutation No. 29237), Jamal Sab Shaikh (Mutation No. 29797), and Mohammad Mustafa Harihar (Mutation No. 32567)—were allegedly added to the “Other Rights” column of Survey 172/2 without mandatory documents, approvals, or notice to the Devasthan authorities.
The complaint accuses the Mamlatdar/Administrator of certifying these mutations without verifying the custodial rights of the temple or ensuring government approval required for any transfer of Devasthan property. The 13,000 sq. m. property is exclusively owned by the Devasthan and falls under agricultural zoning, making any construction or conversion illegal without prior approval from TCP, the Panchayat, and the Deputy Collector.
Complainants also allege deliberate inaction by Village Panchayat Xeldem, Deputy Collector Quepem, and other authorities, despite a Panchayat meeting to discuss the issue. Media reports noted that the Xeldem Panchayat discussion ended abruptly, raising concerns about procedural lapses and lack of transparency.
The Under Secretary’s letter unequivocally confirms that the matter now falls under the scrutiny of the Collector, South Goa, marking a major administrative step forward. Copies of the letter were sent to the complainants, the Office of the President, and other authorities, indicating close monitoring at the highest level.
“The intervention from the President’s Office is a victory for truth. For months, we watched authorities ignore blatant illegalities on Devasthan land. This is not just a land issue—it is about safeguarding community property and preserving the rule of law. We expect the Collector to immediately investigate the fraudulent mutations and demolish illegal structures, as required under law,” said Aditya Raut Dessai.
“This case reflects a systematic failure of local authorities who allowed illegal entries and constructions on sacred Devasthan land. We are grateful that the President’s Secretariat has taken cognisance of our complaint. We demand accountability from every officer who certified or protected these illegalities. The people of Xeldem deserve transparency and justice,” added Vishal Ulhas Gauns Dessai.
With the Collector, South Goa, now officially tasked to pursue the case, expected actions include verification of all mutation entries, identification of responsible officers, demolition of unauthorised constructions, inquiries against Panchayat and Devalaya officials for negligence or collusion, restoration of Devasthan property, and possible intervention by the SIT Land Scam Unit if recommended.
Residents of Xeldem and surrounding villages are closely watching developments, as the case has already triggered public meetings, protests, and allegations of administrative shielding.
