PANAJI
As the inquiry into alleged inaction over High Court orders concerning the demolition of illegal constructions in Bardez continues, the investigation has now widened to cover more government officials.
Fourteen former Deputy Collectors and Mamlatdars from Bardez have been questioned so far, with sources confirming to The Goan that officers from the Public Works Department (PWD) and other allied departments are also likely to be summoned.
“Notices are being sent as new links emerge. The 14 officers initially summoned are only part of a broader investigation. More names are likely to surface as the inquiry progresses,” a reliable source said.
These 14 under scrutiny appeared before IAS officer Sandip Jacques over the past two days giving explanations for the delay in acting against unauthorized constructions in the coastal taluka.
Sources further revealed that the inquiry unearthed allegations of bureaucratic delays, with some pointing to the PWD’s failure to provide demolition squads and machinery, as well as lapses in coordination with other departments.
“Officials who held charge during the High Court’s directive and the compliance window will be questioned. All accounts will be considered before concluding the inquiry,” the source added, stating that the probe is expected to continue for another week, based on the current scope of questioning.
The High Court had, on September 15, 2021, directed the demolition of illegal structures and the restoration of government land to its original condition. However, the order issued in response to a Public Interest Litigation was not implemented.
In a subsequent contempt petition, the Court observed a delay of two years and remarked that the authorities had failed to offer any explanation. This prompted a fresh order and the government initiated the current inquiry.
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) had earlier directed the North Goa Collector, on November 30, 2020, to execute the demolition. The failure to act on this directive eventually triggered the contempt proceedings before the High Court.
The officers named in the initial round of summons and currently under inquiry are Laxmikant Kuttikar, Rahul Desai, Krishna Gauns, Dashrath Gawas, Pravind Gawas, Dhiren Banavalikar, Prataprao Gaonkar, Anant Malik, Akshay Potekar, Kapil Phadte, Rajesh Ajgaonkar, Gurudas Desai, Uday Prabhudesai, and Subhash Belgaonkar.
