MLA Subhash and Fomento suspected behind jail-assault on Ravindra
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 24 March 2016 21:38 IST
Ravindra Velip, a tribal panch of Caurem-Pirla has demanded with jail authorities to file FIR against Sanguem BJP MLA Subhash Phaldesai and owners of Fomento Mines, alleging them to have been involved in assaulting him at Sada sub-jail.
In a letter written to the IG Prisons, Ravindra has narrated the whole incident in the jail of the assault by blind folding him as well as the background of the villagers’ ongoing protesting against alleged illegal mining.
He has demanded that MLA Phaldesai and owners of Fomento Mines be prosecuted for attempt to murder and causing grievous hurt in Sada jail on 23 March at around 10.30 am.
IG Prisons Elvis Gomes, who had not received the formal complaint it being a holiday, however rushed to Sada sub-jail today evening to verify the facts.
At a press conference held at Azad Maidan in Panaji today evening, social activists have termed the incident as comeback of Mining Mafia, adding that the horrific incident proves a nexus between the state authorities and the miners.
The social activists also plan to approach the Goa Human Rights Commission with a complaint about the inhuman attack in the jail.
The tribal village panch was attacked while in the judicial lock up for stopping the transport of the e-auctioned ore purchased by Fomento from its own lease, which was termed illegal and confiscated by the state government.
Abhijit Prabhudesai strongly suspects hand of ruling party legislator Phaldesai, alleging that he had threatened to eliminate Ravindra and a criminal complaint in this regard was filed at the Quepem police station few months ago.
“Mafia Raj of the mining lobby is back with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar defending the mafias”, alleged Ramesh Gawas, an environmentalist.
Ramkrishna Jalmi, a tribal leader, has alleged that it is once again proved that the BJP government is out to kill the tribals for the benefit of mining lobby and has demanded a thorough inquiry into the attack.
In a post on social media, independent MLA Vijai Sardesai says the incident proves that mining as well as activities of mining mafia have resumed in Goa.
“Thanks to complete support by the BJP state government that is focussed on election funds from the lobby”, he comments.
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Avinash Tavares has also condemned the dastardly attack on Ravindra while expressing complete support to their struggle.
Nilesh Gaonkar, who was beaten up in 2011 for exposing illegal mining in Caurem, said they are not merely fighting to provide mining transport to the locals but the continued activity of illegal mining.
According to him, the same lease holders are purchasing the illegal ore they had extracted while showing the quantity much lesser than the actual size of the iron ore dumps lying at three mines in Caurem leased out to Fomento, Tarcar and Magnum.
“Through a co-operative society of local villagers, we not only want to streamlining the mining activity but want to also keep a check on illegal mining. That’s why the government is not approving our co-operative society”, said Gaonkar.
agrree woulidbbr ebe happy to carry detailed article if i get by ti uesday rajan