Locals raise concerns about unaddressed mega events, unauthorised loud music played by clubs
CAUGHT IN THE FRAME: Anjuna resident Gajanan Tilve allegedly advances menacingly toward Dr Inacio Fernandes at gram sabha, joined by Yogesh Govekar (black T-shirt) and Carlos Fernandes (yellow T-shirt) in aggressive stance.
MAPUSA
In a dramatic turn of events at the coastal village of Anjuna, chaos unfolded at a gram sabha meeting on Sunday as Dr Inacio Fernandes, a vocal campaigner against loud music, was assaulted by a group of villagers in the presence of police.
The confrontation highlights the deepening rift between tourism stakeholders and residents concerned about noise pollution.
The meeting began routinely with the confirmation of minutes from the previous session.
However, tensions escalated when local resident Ana Fernandes raised concerns about unaddressed mega events, followed by Dr Fernandes urging the gram sabha to address unauthorized loud music played by clubs.
Dr Fernandes’ call for compliance with noise pollution norms was met with sharp resistance from some attendees.
Carlos Fernandes, a gram sabha member, challenged Dr Fernandes, claiming he had no authority to demand enforcement of such rules.
Violence
unfolds
As the discussion heated, tensions boiled over. A villager Gajanan Tilve, supported by others, allegedly stormed to the front and physically assaulted Dr Fernandes.
Witnesses reported that Yogesh Govekar, also known as Mogambo and several others joined the fray, creating a ruckus and allegedly attacking Dr Fernandes and a group of women supporting his cause against loud noise.
The confrontation spiraled into pandemonium, with police officers struggling to separate the groups.
Even law enforcement personnel reportedly sustained blows during the melee. Amid the chaos, Anjuna Sarpanch Laxmidas Chimulkar adjourned the meeting.
Aftermath and
complaints
Dr Fernandes, visibly shaken and injured, filed a formal complaint at the Anjuna Police Station.
He accused Gajanan Tilve, Yogesh Govekar, Carlos Fernandes, Seby D’Souza, and Rohan Naik of violently attacking him in full view of approximately 50 villagers and local officials, including the sarpanch and secretary.
According to his complaint, the attack was a premeditated act, orchestrated by individuals who had brought a sizable group of supporters to the meeting, including small-scale vendors such as tea and omelette stall owners.
“These individuals have been targeting me because I have been documenting violations of noise pollution norms and providing evidence to the authorities,” Dr Fernandes alleged.
Meanwhile, a group of villagers also lodged a separate complaint condemning the assault.
“Such acts are unacceptable and violate the basic rights and dignity of individuals to voice their opinions on community matters,” their statement read.
Roots of the
conflict
Anjuna, a hotspot for Goa’s vibrant nightlife and tourism, has long grappled with conflicts between local businesses and residents concerned about noise pollution.
Dr Fernandes has been at the forefront of efforts to curb loud music in the village, citing violations of directives from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) and court orders.
Tourism stakeholders argue that such restrictions threaten livelihoods and disrupt the local economy, while residents like Dr Fernandes claim unchecked noise pollution diminishes quality of life.
Sunday’s events highlight the growing chasm between Anjuna’s tourism-driven economy and its residents’ fight for peaceful living conditions. With tensions running high, the future of such debates remains uncertain.
The police are investigating both complaints and all eyes are on the authorities to see how they navigate the delicate balance between preserving Anjuna’s tourism appeal and addressing the genuine grievances of its residents.
