Despite the Chief Minister’s initial promises, repairs to the Agarwadekars’ home in Assagao remain incomplete twelve days after its demolition.Despite the Chief Minister’s initial promises, repairs to the Agarwadekars’ home in Assagao remain incomplete twelve days after its demolition. Three main issues have emerged: 1. Inaction against the Bouncer: The Chief Minister had vowed to apprehend the 15 bouncers allegedly involved in the demolition, but little progress has been reported. 2. Elusive Pooja Sharma: Despite assurances that legal proceedings would be initiated against Pooja Sharma, the alleged mastermind behind the demolition, her arrest has not yet been made. 3. Silence on Chief Secretary’s Report: The government has refrained from commenting on the Chief Secretary’s report on the incident. Public figures have expressed concern, emphasizing the need for swift action. Olencio Simoes, Secretary of the Goa Residents Empowerment Movement, questioned the Home Minister’s inaction and the rising crime rate in the state. Independent politician Dattaprasad Naik highlighted the broader issue of systemic corruption and the need for decisive action against all parties involved.
PANJIM: Twelve days after the audacious demolition of the Agarwadekars’ house in Assagao, nothing seems to have been done to repair their home. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had declared on the spot that the repair of the house would begin within three days and strict action would be taken against all those involved. On June 26, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant met the Agarwadekar family and told the media, “No one involved will be spared. No one can take Goans for granted and start demolishing houses.”
On another occasion, CM also categorically told the press, “Action will be taken against all those involved. Do they think they will escape? My police teams have gone to Belgavi and they will arrest the 15 bouncers. Police have also gone to Mumbai to nab her (Pooja Sharma). The legal process will begin.”
During a bus ride in the Smart City on July 1, when asked about the impending transfer of DGP Jaspal Singh (who had been named by the Anjuna Prashal Desai as the one who had pressured him to allow the demolition), Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said: “Just wait, I will inform you about this (transfer of DGP).”
However, very little seems to have happened on this front. The government is also silent on the Chief Secretary’s report.
Olencio Simoes, Secretary GRE said, “What we are asking from the Chief Minister is that as Home Minister he should take action against the bouncers. CM should act against the demolition and involvement of DGP. Otherwise what will happen to Goa? Today drug cases, rapes and crimes are increasing. People are coming from outside and doing whatever they want. IPC can change but there should be proper implementation. This is spoiling the image of Goa and CM should act.”
Dattaprasad Naik, independent politician said, “The issue of house construction is separate as the family has also taken a U-turn. The issue is not limited to the family. They belong to Bahujan Samaj. Do they feel safe? Pooja Sharma has filed an anticipatory bail plea. There is no sign of her being arrested. If CM is serious, he should take action against those involved in house demolition and all other stakeholders, no matter how big.”
