Taleigao VP accused of illegally demolishing villa

PANJIM, AUG 12
A fashion designer has charged Taleigao panchayat of harassing him and illegally demolishing a portion of his villa at Dona Paula.
Addressing a press briefing, Noel Andre alleged that Taleigao Sarpanch Jennifer Monserrate has abused her position by provoking authorities to demolish his house.
“A portion of my villa was demolished without prior notice to me. They say a notice was sent but I was not in Goa. The Sarpanch therefore, should have furnished another notice. They have also disconnected electricity at the villa,” he said.
He admits that a portion of his villa was illegal but alleged that Monserrate demanded bribe of Rs 15,000 to approve it, some years ago. “I though have nothing to show that I paid the amount to her to approve the matter. I had asked her for the receipt but she refused and sent somebody to collect the amount from me,” he alleged.
Andre, who retails his designs at reputed Hotels (Taj, Park Hyatt), also alleged that Monserrate brushed-off a similar matter connected with Health Minister Vishawajeet Rane at Dona Paula.
For the trespass and illegal demolition, the designer threatened to file disqualification petition against the Sarpanch. He said that entire Dona Paula stretch comprises of illegal structures.
 “She does not know her job well and I will see to it that she is no more in the chair. She has pressurized the authorities to act against me… Who has given her the right to demolish my house,” said the designer.
In a press note circulated to media, with a copy to Governor S S Sidhu, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Deputy Inspector General of Police Ravindra Yadav and Director of Panchayats, Andre alleged harassment by the police, Sarpanch, Magistrate and local goondas.
In a complaint at Panjim town police station on August 11, Andre stated that while the demolition activity caused damage to his villa, belongings such as shoes, crystal glasses and laptop, perfumes, spectacle glasses and cash amounting to Rs 5 lakh were stolen. He quoted the overall damage to above Rs 20 lakh.
The complaint is filed against Monserrate, Collin Curry, Seby, Deputy Sarpanch Prakash Rosario, Secretary of Village Panchayat of Taleigao and Sidney of trespass for mischief and intermediation.
The designer, who has been in profession for last nine years, further alleged that Curry, who is also harassing him, holds a bad reputation in the society.
The police meanwhile have shrugged off its involvement stating they only obliged to orders by local bodies by provide security during demolition.
 “We have documents to show that demolition was on orders from Deputy Collector, Sub Divisional Magistrate – in-charge of demolition squad on July 27. We were asked to provide protection for demolition and disconnecting the electricity,” inspector Sandesh Chodankar said.
When contacted by Herald Sarpanch Jennifer Monserrate claimed to have carried out the demolition activity with legal permission from concerned authorities.