PANJIM: The mega land scam has long been forgotten. After filing of police cases and arrest and bail of the accused, nothing is heard about the scamsters and the scam. Herald Media asked people “After State government buried the mega land scam is the Enforcement Directorate now doing the work of nailing the culprits?
First of all the ED has to investigate government officers involved in the scam, not only the land grabbers. This has been done in connivance with the officials in the government departments where the land registration takes place. The entire government machinery is involved to support these land grabbers. Without their help it is not possible. How can they grab land. That means there is no safeguard, anybody’s land can be grabbed by anybody.
Avertino Miranda, Convenor, Green Brigade
Some months back the issue that was hyped was the land scam, benami properties, mega projects and some culprits even escaped. Government was on the back foot. There were lots of attempts to divert from the land scam. But what is the status of these cases? I think setting has been done and a lid has been put on those cases. These cases are buried. But now elections are nearing, there is need for funding. From where will funding come, there will be need of catching new scapegoats. Hence the raids have started.
Mariano Ferrao Social Activist
There was a huge uproar from all sections of society including the politicians and the chief minister. However, after some time these issues get buried. Primarily it is the duty of the government to go to the root cause. But we have found many times the government just buries these things. And the Opposition does the honeymoon with the government. Because now the opposition is not heard anywhere. The ED is now grappling with the mega land issue. If ED takes over it will be something better than nothing. The ED is coming under the double engine government. I don’t have great hope if in the land scam investigation since if there is somebody from the BJP involved, in such a scenario a three judge bench of retired judges is commissioned to investigate the case.
Anthony D'Silva Social Activist