PANJIM: A fighter for his people, a protector of farmers, and a crusader for just causes, Hanumant Parab’s ordeal with the Valpoi Police is never-ending. Reacting to the reports in O Heraldo on his name being shockingly included in the list of history-sheeters, the Valpoi Police is seeking to defend its action on the ground that “up to and about five” criminal cases have been lodged against the farmer activist.
However, it did not furnish details of those cases to O Heraldo till the time of going to press.
Almost anyone, including Goa’s politicians, are aware that activists who take on big interests often face criminal charges.
It is evident in the recent spate of FIRs against people’s activists protesting against the Railway’s double tracking work, by encroaching into homes of people in coastal Mormugao.
When contacted, Valpoi Police Inspector Prajyot Phadte said, “There are six to seven other persons from Valpoi jurisdiction who have been sent notices under Section 149 of CrPC and are history-sheeters.” He said that the orders pertaining to history-sheeters are sent from the head offices.
North Goa SP Nidhin Valsan said, “He has nearly about five crimes registered against him and according to the procedure any person who has above three crimes against him/her is put under history sheet (list).”
O Heraldo had highlighted an act of the Goa Police putting an innocent activist on the list of history-sheeters and making him visit the police station under the supposed apprehension of criminal activities during G20 Summit.
Activist Hanumant Parab claims that this act of police smacks of political pressure.
Parab received a notice under Section 149 of CrPC, in which he was requested to remain present at the Valpoi Police Station. The reason cited was “as there is reasonable apprehension that you may indulge in criminal activities and commit a cognisable offence during the forthcoming visit of VVIPs & G-20 summit in Goa”.
The police went ahead to warn Parab of action if he did not attend to the notice.
Claude Alvares, Director of the Goa Foundation, who has been supportive of Parab’s battles for the rights of his people, said, “Parab is not a criminal, nor is he of a criminal bent. He is respectfully married, his wife is educated and has an aged mother. Police must think twice before accusing him of intended criminal acts because of the repercussions.”
